JP4467645B2 - Mode / Surgery function - Google Patents

Description

表Ｉの例に加えて、外科医は９つのモードのうちいくつかしか含まないユーザインタフェースを介してモードシーケンスデータベースを定義することができる。例えば、モードシーケンスデータベースは、モード１（開）で開始し、続いてモード３（乳化−中）、次にモード９（デュアル）と続き、最後はモード７（洗浄ＩＩ）で終了するシーケンスを定義する。
図２３を参照して上述したように、コンピュータユニット３は、ハードウェアデータベースの形で電源投入時に生成されたシステム識別情報と読み出したセットアップファイルとを比較する。このようにすることで、コンピュータユニット３は、モードデータベースにおける上記のモードの所望の外科手術を施行するために必要なモジュール１３がシステム１に存在することを確認できる。このモジュールが存在しない場合には、コンピュータユニット３はこの動作パラメータを翻訳、すなわちこの動作パラメータと読み出されたセットアップファイルにおける動作パラメータとを置換することによって翻訳セットアップファイルを生成し、これが架台部７における実際のモジュール１３に対応するようにする。図２５および図２６は、本発明によるセットアップファイルを適合化するのに好ましい手段を示している。
図２５に示されるように、コンピュータユニット３はまずステップ３９１においてモードデータベースの各モードレコードを調べる。後述するシステム１の初期化時、コンピュータユニット３はネットワーク上のハードウェア（すなわち異なるモジュール１３および制御回路１０５、１０７）に対応した一組の通信パラメータを読み込む。上述したように、ネットワーク上の様々なノードの各ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、内蔵されたプログラムを実行して異なる顕微手術装置１９および周辺装置を制御する。通信パラメータは、制御対象となるデバイス（例えば、硝子体摘出ハンドピースまたは超音波デバイス）のタイプおよびプロセッサ２２５が位置するモジュール１３または周辺装置のバージョンに関連した情報をはじめとする、各プロセッサ２２５に特異な固有の識別レベルを表す。識別レベルは、特定のモジュール１３または制御回路１０５、１０７に固有の特定の識別子（例えばシリアル番号）も含む。一例として、ハードウェアまたはソフトウェアのアップデート時に特定のモジュール１３のバージョンを変更することができる。本発明によれば、モードデータベースのモードレコードは各々、そのモードで動作しているシステム１によって提供される様々な外科手術についての異なる動作モードおよび動作パラメータを示す。それ自体で、動作パラメータは機能およびバージョンの両方がネットワーク上の特定のノードに対応する。
ステップ３９３では、コンピュータユニット３は、モードレコードによって定義された動作モードにおいて用いられる各装置または周辺装置に必要なハードウェアのタイプがシステム１に存在するか否か判断する。存在する場合、ステップ３９５において、コンピュータユニット３は各モジュール１３および周辺装置の制御回路１０５、１０７のバージョン情報がモードレコードによって指定されたバージョン情報と一致するか否か判断する。バージョン情報が正しければ、コンピュータユニット３はステップ３９１に戻ってモードデータベースの次のモードレコードを調べる。一方、バージョン情報が正しくない場合には、コンピュータユニット３は、取り付けたハードウェアについてのバージョン情報がモードレコードによって指定されたバージョン情報と適合するか否かをステップ３９７で判断する。適合する場合には、コンピュータユニットはステップ３９９に進み、モードレコードに規定された動作パラメータをシステム１の実際のハードウェアに関連した動作パラメータで置き換える。バージョンが適合しない場合には、コンピュータユニット３はステップ４０１で特定のモードを拒否する。ステップ３９９またはステップ４０１のいずれかの後は、コンピュータユニット３はステップ３９１に戻ってモードデータベースにおける次のモードレコードを調べる。
ステップ３９３では、コンピュータユニット３は、モードレコードによって定義された動作モードで使用される各装置または周辺装置用のハードウェアがシステム１に存在するか否かを判断する。存在しない場合、コンピュータユニット３は図２６の流れ図に示されるステップ４０３に進む。ステップ４０３では、コンピュータユニット３は欠けているハードウェアが特定のモードでのシステム１の動作に必要なものであるのか否かを判断する。欠けているハードウェアが必要でない場合には、コンピュータユニット３は欠けているハードウェアへのモードレコードからのリファレンスをステップ４０５において削除した後、図２５のステップ３９１に戻って次のモードレコードに進む。一方、欠けているハードウェアが必要である場合には、コンピュータユニット３はステップ４０７において代わりのハードウェアが利用できるか否かを判断する。代わりのハードウェアが利用できない場合には、コンピュータユニット３はステップ４０９においてモードレコードをモードデータベースから削除した後、ステップ３９１に戻って次のモードレコードに進む。代わりのハードウェアが利用できる場合には、コンピュータユニット３はステップ４１１に進む。ステップ４１１では、コンピュータユニット３はモードレコードにおける動作パラメータを翻訳し、代わりのハードウェアに対応させる。一例として、システム１の特定のセットアップにベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１を含むがスクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３は含まないようにすることができる。この例では、モードレコードがフロー吸引機能を提供している動作モードを指定すると、これはベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１では利用できないものであるため、コンピュータユニット３はフロー吸引応答に近い真空動作パラメータをフロー吸引動作パラメータに置き換える。
ステップ４１１に続いて、コンピュータユニット３はステップ３９１に戻る。セットアップファイルのモードレコードを適合化した後、コンピュータユニット３は読み出したセットアップファイルのモードシーケンスデータベースを調べる。モードシーケンスのモードがもう利用できない（すなわち、ステップ４０９で削除された）場合には、コンピュータユニット３はこのモードもモードシーケンスデータベースから削除する。このように、コンピュータユニット３は、システム１の特定の構成で使用できるように読み出したセットアップファイルを適合化する。換言すれば、コンピュータユニット３は翻訳セットアップファイルを生成する。
上記の表Ｉにおいて示したモードレコードは、外科医が行う様々な処置に対する特定のモードを定義する。例えば、患者の眼を切開する処置を施行する時に外科医は「開」モードを選択する。また、これらの処置の施行中に異なる外科手術に対するシステム１の動作モードを定義することも考えられる。以下の表ＩＩおよび表ＩＩＩは、異なる外科手術に対する眼球前部および眼球後部におけるモードの例を挙げたものである。

以下の表ＩＶ〜ＩＸは、表ＩＩおよびＩＩＩに示す様々なモードについての初期動作パラメータの例を挙げたものである。

以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各灌流／吸引モードに適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
ピッチ ペダル移動１〜１００％で灌流制御
左にヨー 還流
右にヨー なし
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各灌流／吸引モードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ６０ｃｍ（カプセルポリッシュモードで４０ｃｍ、粘弾性除去モードで５０ｃｍ）
ＩＯＰ ４０ｍｍＨｇ
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。

以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各水晶体超音波乳化モードに適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
ピッチ ペダル移動１〜１００％で灌流制御
左にヨー 還流
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各水晶体超音波乳化モードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ７５ｃｍ（モード２およびモード４で８０ｃｍ）
ＩＯＰ ４０ｍｍＨｇ
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。

以下の動作パラメータは、各水晶体超音波破砕モードに適用される。
超音波パワー リニア
最小超音波パワーレベル ０％
最大超音波パワーレベル ２５％
以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各水晶体超音波破砕モードに適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
左にヨー 還流
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各水晶体超音波破砕モードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ７５ｃｍ
ＩＯＰ ３０ｍｍＨｇ
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。

以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各硝子体摘出（前側）モードに適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
ピッチ ペダル移動１〜１００％で灌流制御
左にヨー 還流
である。
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各硝子体摘出（前側）モードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ４０ｃｍ
ＩＯＰ ４０ｍｍＨｇ
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。

以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各硝子体摘出（後ろ側）に適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
左にヨー 還流
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各硝子体摘出（後側）モードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ７５ｃｍ（単回執刀では４０ｃｍ）
ＩＯＰ ３０ｍｍＨｇ（単回執刀では４０ｍｍＨｇ）
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。

以下のフットコントロール動作パラメータは、各メスモードに適用される。
凝固スイッチ 凝固オン／オフを制御
プログラム可能な機能スイッチ 機能なし
左にヨー なし
右にヨー なし
以下の機能についての動作パラメータ（各メスモードの初期状態ではディスエーブル）は、
凝固パワー １２％
ＩＶポール高 ７５ｃｍ
ＩＯＰ ３０ｍｍＨｇ
ランプ１ オフ
ランプ２ オフ
である。
表ＩＩ〜ＩＸに示す機能ベースのモードに鑑みて、通常ユーザは、眼球前部手術の場合についての一例を図２７に示すトップレベルのユーザ選択タブ４１５から、上述した様々な予め定義されたモードのうちの１つを選択する。好ましくは、タブ４１５はタッチスクリーン２５５の底部に位置している。１回につき１つのモードのみアクティブになるようにし、ユーザがユーザ選択タブのうちの１つを選択した時にコンピュータユニット３によって自動的に現在の動作モードが非選択状態になるようにしてもよい。モード選択の一例において、ユーザは利用できる水晶体超音波乳化モードについて超音波乳化吸引モードのタブ４１７に触れる。以下、図２８および図２９を参照すると、フラットパネルディスプレイ５は、ユーザが超音波乳化吸引モードのユーザ選択タブ４１７に触れる初期の時点では第１の４つのモード（すなわち、開、嚢除去、開（デュアル）および嚢除去（デュアル））のみ表示している。矢印記号を含むタブ４１９にユーザが触れたのに応答して、コンピュータユニット３は利用できる超音波乳化吸引モード（すなわち、固定減圧、リニア減圧、固定フローおよびリニアフロー）の別のメニューを生成してフラットパネルディスプレイ５に表示させる。例えば、ユーザはタブ４２１に触れてメニューからリニア減圧超音波乳化吸引モードを選択する。図３０は、リニア減圧超音波乳化吸引モードの画面表示の例を示している。図示のように、このモードでは減圧、超音波（すなわち水晶体超音波乳化）および凝固機能が利用でき、アクティブである。
上述したように、顕微手術システムの様々な動作モードにしたがって動作するために、コンピュータユニット３はまずネットワーク上の各ノード（すなわち、架台部７に取り付けられたモジュール１３、それぞれフットコントロールアセンブリ１５およびＩＶポールアセンブリ１７用の制御回路１０５、１０７）を識別して初期化する。好ましい実施例では、コンピュータユニット３の中央処理装置２４５が、３つの動作コンポーネントすなわち電源投入初期化、ネットワークマネジメントおよびネットワーク連絡を有するシステムエンジンを構成しているソフトウェアを実行する。システムエンジンの初期化コンポーネントはネットワークを生成してこれを開始する。ネットワークマネジメントコンポーネントは、ネットワーク上のモジュール１３に対するネットワーク結合／非結合変数を提供してユーザが選択したモードを実施し、モジュール１３の機能性を監視し、ネットワークから送られてくるメッセージを処理する。ネットワーク連絡コンポーネントは、コンフィギュレーションファイルおよびモード変更を処理し、ユーザインタフェースに表示変更とエラーの発生を通知する。
図３１は、システム１の電源投入時にシステムエンジンの初期化コンポーネントを実行しているコンピュータユニット３の動作を示す。通常、システムエンジンはネットワーク上の各ノードを識別し、ローカルネットワーク変数を含む各ノードのニューロンプロセッサ２２５についてプログラミングオブジェクトを生成する。ユーザインタフェースはこの変数によってノードにアクセスする。ステップ４２７から開始して、システムエンジンはコンピュータユニット３のハードドライブ２４９に格納されたネットワークデータベースを初期化する。上述したように、ネットワーク上の様々なノードの各ニューロンプロセッサ２２５が、異なる顕微手術装置１９および周辺装置を制御するための内蔵されたプログラムを実行する。通信パラメータは、制御対象となるデバイス（例えば硝子体摘出ハンドピースまたは超音波デバイス）のタイプに関する情報ならびにプロセッサ２２５が位置しているモジュール１３または周辺装置のバージョンに関する情報を含む各プロセッサ２２５ごとの固有の識別ラベルを表している。識別ラベルは、特定のモジュール１３または制御回路１０５、１０７に固有の具体的な識別子（例えばシリアル番号）も含む。一例として、特定のモジュール１３のバージョンはハードウェアまたはソフトウェアのアップデート時に変更可能である。ネットワークデータベースは、具体的なモジュール１３または制御回路１０５、１０７識別子、異なるタイプのデバイスに対応するノード名およびこれらのノードに対応する異なるプログラムの名前の形で、予め組み込まれたノードを含む。換言すれば、ネットワークデータベースは、すでにネットワークに組み込まれて利用できる異なるタイプのモジュール１３および周辺装置の各々を有するシステムに関する情報を含んでもよい。
ステップ４２９では、システムエンジンは、ネットワーク上に実際に存在するハードウェア（すなわち、異なるモジュール１３および制御回路１０５、１０７）に対応した一組の通信パラメータを読み込み、ソフトウェアにおいてノードオブジェクトを生成し、特定のモジュール１３または周辺装置にアクセスできるようにする。ステップ４３１に進み、システムエンジンは、ネットワークデータベースではすでにノードを取り入れてある第１のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７から開始し、ステップ４３３でソフトウェアにデバイスオブジェクトを形成して上記のノードを表す。好ましくは、システムエンジンは、ハードウェアにアクセスできるノードオブジェクトからデバイスオブジェクトを駆動する。システムエンジンがステップ４３５で他のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７がすでにネットワークデータベースのノードに取り込まれていると判断すると、ステップ４３１に戻って次のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７に進む。このように、システムエンジンはすでにネットワークデータベースに取り込まれているハードウェアについてのデバイスオブジェクトを生成する。システムエンジンによって生成されたデバイスオブジェクトはローカルネットワーク変数を含み、ユーザインタフェースはこれによってノードにアクセスする。
デバイスオブジェクトを生成し、ネットワークデータベースにすでに取り込まれているノードを示した後、システムエンジンは、前に取り込まれたノードと比較してステップ４３７に進んでネットワーク上に存在するモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７を調べる。ステップ４３９に進み、システムエンジンは、調べる対象となる同一タイプのモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７に対応するネットワークデータベース（ネットワーク上にはすでに存在しない）に取り込まれているノードが存在するか否かを判断する。存在する場合、システムエンジンはステップ４４１において前に取り込まれたノードの通信パラメータを特定のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７についての通信パラメータに置き換える。置き換え動作を行っている間、ネットワーク変数の結合はすべて新たなノードに伝達される。さらに、ネットワークデータベースならびにネットワーク変数の結合に関与する他のノードを変更する必要はない。一方、調べる対象となる同一タイプのモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７に対応するノードがネットワークデータベースに取り込まれていない場合には、システムエンジンはステップ４４３に進む。ステップ４４３では、システムエンジンは新たなモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７用の通信パラメータを用いて新たなノードを取り込み、デバイスオブジェクトを生成してこの新たなノードを示す。ステップ４４１または４４３の後は、システムエンジンはステップ４４５に進み、ネットワークデータベースに取り込まれたノードを持たない他のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７がネットワーク上に存在するか否かを判断する。存在する場合には、システムエンジンはステップ４３７に戻る。それ以外の場合には、システムエンジンはステップ４４７に進む。
ステップ４４７では、システムエンジンは、ネットワークデータベースに取り込まれたがハードウェアがネットワーク上に存在しない残りのノードを全て除去する。ステップ４４９に進み、同一タイプの２つ以上のモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７がネットワーク上に存在する場合には、システムエンジンは各タイプについての第１のデバイスオブジェクトをアクティブにする。換言すれば、システムエンジンは複数または重複したモジュール１３または周辺装置制御回路１０５、１０７のうちの１つに優先度を持たせる。
このため、前回の電源投入シーケンス以降に新たなモジュール１３を構成に追加してあった場合には、これが前に取り込まれたモジュール１３と比べて同一タイプのモジュールであろうと異なるタイプのモジュール１３であろうとシステム１は自動的に新たなモジュール１３を検出および初期化し、通信パラメータおよびユーザインタフェースの両方を再構成する。このようにすることで、ユーザはこの新たなモジュール１３に対してアクセスし、これに接続された全ての外科手術装置１９を制御することができる。同様に、前回の電源投入シーケンス後に特定のモジュール１３をネットワークから外した場合、システム１はモジュール１３が欠けていることを自動的に検知し、関連した通信パラメータおよびユーザインタフェース機能を全て除去する。さらに、コンピュータユニット３は、自動ネットワーク再構成を実行する際に、２つ以上の同一タイプのモジュール１３をシステム１に取り込むことを許す。コンピュータユニット３は、必要に応じて識別用の最優先および二番目に優先を判断し、ユーザインタフェースを介して制御を行う。コンピュータユニット３は拒否されたシステム構成も判断し、ユーザインタフェースを介してユーザに適切なアクションを取るよう指示をする。
このように、コンピュータユニット３は、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５を構成してユーザインタフェースが利用する必要なローカルネットワーク変数を生成することによって電源投入時にシステム１を初期化し、ネットワークにアクセスし、システム１が特定の最低動作要件を満たして全ての一定ネットワーク結合を行っていることを確認する。コンピュータユニット３は、モジュール１３または周辺装置のシステム１に対する追加／削除をはじめとして、最後の構成から見て構成面でなされたあらゆる変更をユーザインタフェースにも伝える。電源投入初期化後、システム１の制御はユーザインタフェースに移る。他の実施例では、コンピュータユニット３はさらに、電源投入時に架台部７内における特定のモジュール１３の位置を識別する。
以下、図２１のシステム構成例に概略的に示す各コンポーネントを参照すると、架台部７に取り付けられた各モジュール１３は１つまたは複数の顕微手術装置１９を制御して複数の異なる外科手術機能を提供する。例えば、モジュール１３は、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１と、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３と、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５と、メスモジュール３２７と、凝固モジュール３２９と、照明モジュール３３１（図４Ａ乃至図４Ｄに鑑みて照明モジュール１３Ａとも言う）とを含む。システム１は、システム１のネットワークに接続された周辺装置としてフットコントロールアセンブリ１５およびＩＶポールアセンブリ１７も含む。
図３２は、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１をブロック図の形で示す（詳細については図４３乃至図６０に示す）。図３２に示されるように、モジュール３２１は、バックプレーン１０１に接続されるモジュール３２１の後部においてネットワークコネクタ１７１を介してネットワークに接続されたニューロン回路４５５を有する。ニューロン回路４５５は、データ通信バスを介してデータを受信および送信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３を含む。送受信機２２３に結合されたニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、モジュール３２１のネットワーク通信制御を行う。また、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、システム１の灌流、吸引および硝子体摘出機能を制御するための内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムも実行する。この例では、ニューロン回路４５５は、ＩＡＶモジュール３２１用のアプリケーションプログラムを格納するためのメモリ４５７（例えば、フラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）を含む。さらに、メモリ４５７は、ネットワーク上のモジュール３２１の初期化に用いられる構成および識別データを格納する。有利なことに、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ４５７を再プログラミングすることができる。ニューロン回路４５５は、ニューロン２２５が動作するための時間ベースを提供しているクロック回路４５９（例えば水晶発振子）も含む。ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１はさらに、モジュールがアクティブであることを示す、モジュール３２１のフロントパネル表面の緑色のＬＥＤなどのステータスＬＥＤ４６１と、回路で使用する−５ボルトの電力を発生させる電力調整回路４６３とを含む。図３２には図示していないが、ニューロン回路４５５はコンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機も含んでいる。
通常、プロセッサ２２５によって得られるものよりも高い処理能力が必要な場合には、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５とコプロセッサとを一緒に用いることができる。この場合、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５によって生成される制御信号を受信してこれに応答し、別の制御信号を生成するコプロセッサを特定のモジュール１３に持たせ、外科手術処置の施行中にクローズドループ制御をする。本発明の好ましい実施例では、ＩＡＶモジュール３２１は電子的にプログラム可能な論理デバイス（ＥＰＬＤ）４６７などのプログラム可能な論理回路と協働するコプロセッサ回路４６５を含む。コプロセッサ回路４６５は、コプロセッサ４６９（例えばＩｎｔｅｌ ３８６ＥＸプロセッサ）および関連のメモリ４７１（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭおよびスタティックＲＡＭ）と、コプロセッサ回路４６５が使用するクロック信号を供給するためのクロック回路４７３（例えば水晶発振子）と、ウォッチドッグタイマ４７５とを含むと好ましい。
図３２をさらに参照すると、コプロセッサ回路４６５のコプロセッサ４６９が吸引レベル動作パラメータの機能として吸引制御信号を生成し、これをデジタルアナログ（Ｄ／Ａ）変換器４８３に供給する。図示の実施例では、Ｄ／Ａ変換器４８３は並列インタフェースを提供し、コプロセッサ４６９はモジュールのベンチュリポンプを通る空気流を上記のインタフェースによって制御する。吸引ドライブ４８５はＤ／Ａ変換器４８３のアナログ入力を受信し、これに応答して吸引サーボ弁４８７を駆動する。吸引サーボ弁４８７はベンチュリを通る空気流を左右し、よって減圧レベルを左右する。ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１は、モジュール内に位置するベンチュリポンプから駆動されるシングル吸引ポートの動作を支持すると好ましい。ベンチュリポンプは、圧力が例えば８０〜１００ポンド／平方インチのゲージの外部のガス／空気入力を必要とする。モジュール３２１はさらに、過圧状態を防止するための圧力逃がし弁（図示せず）を含む。有利なことに、モジュール３２１の制御回路は吸引減圧レベルを固定制御とリニア制御の両方で制御できる。例えば、吸引減圧レベルは０ｍｍＨｇ〜５５０ｍｍＨｇの範囲にすることができ、１ｍｍＨｇずつ変化させることができる。ユーザは、全ての吸引パラメータを、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して設定し、吸引機能をフットコントロールアセンブリ１５経由で制御する。
ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１の灌流部分は、重力供給による灌流を支持する。例えば、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７は、外科手術の間に患者の眼に灌流を行うのに外科医が使用する滅菌生理食塩水溶液のバッグを支持する。モジュール３２１は一組のソレノイド弁４９３を含み、このうち１つは閉じた時にシステム１へのあらゆる流体の進入を防止するピンチ弁４９５である。タッチスクリーン２５５またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５のいずれかによってユーザはベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１の灌流機能を固定でオン／オフ（開／閉）制御する。ニューロンプロセッサ２２５はコプロセッサ４６９およびＥＰＬＤ４６７のコントロールレジスタ４９６と協働し、一組のソレノイドドライバ４９７にコマンドを送るためのドライブ信号を生成する。これによって、ソレノイドドライバ４９７がソレノイド弁４９３を所望の量だけ開閉する。
好ましくは、ＩＡＶモジュール３２１は、実際の吸引または灌流圧力に関するフィードバックを行う一組の空気圧トランスデューサ５０１を含む。例えば、吸引トランスデューサ５０３は吸引圧レベルを検知し、ライン圧力トランスデューサ５０５は灌流圧レベルを検知する。ライン圧力ランスデューサ５０５に接続された計装用増幅器回路５０７は、その圧力信号を処理前に増幅する。好ましくは、吸引トランスデューサは内部の増幅器を含む。アナログデジタル（Ａ／Ｄ）変換器５１１は増幅された圧力信号を受信し、アナログ圧力信号をコプロセッサ回路４６５で処理するためにデジタル値に変換する。このようにして、ＩＡＶモジュール３２１は吸引および灌流機能のクローズドループ制御を行う。
顕微手術用眼科システムは一般に、本願と同一の譲受人が所有している米国特許第４，７７３，８９７号に図示および記載してあるような着脱自在の流体回収カセットを有する減圧動作式吸引システムを利用している。減圧または負圧下にある吸引装置をカセットに接続することによって、吸引流体はカセットに引き込まれる。顕微手術眼科処置を行っている外科医は例えばフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を用いて吸引システムを制御する。これによって、外科医は上述した特許において参照符号１８２で示すものなどのウェッジ形ソレノイドプランジャ、あるいは図３２に示すような吸引サーボ弁４８７を作動させて吸引を正確に制御し、カセットから顕微手術装置への吸引を遮断または開放することができる。
モジュール３２１のソレノイド４９３は、カセットキャプチャ弁５１５およびカセットピンチ弁５１７も含んでいる。カセットキャプチャ弁５１５のプランジャ（図示せず）は、カセットをモジュール３２１内の正しい位置に固定する。カセットピンチ弁５１７は、吸引機能がアクティブではない時に吸引ラインを閉じ、カセットまたは吸引ラインから患者の眼への流体の逆流を防止する。
さらに、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１におけるソレノイド４９３のうちの一方は、上述した特許において１８４で示すもののような還流プランジャを駆動するための還流ソレノイド弁５１９である。作動時、還流プランジャはカセットに接続された還流チャンバを圧搾し、吸引チューブ内の少量の流体を通路から外に追い出し、チューブが開放かつ非遮断状態に維持されるようにする。例えば前側または後側の処置を実施する場合など、実施する処置に応じて様々な量の還流が必要になる。後側の処置に使用されるカセットには、前側の処置に使用されるカセットの場合よりも還流量のかなり少ないカセットを使用することが重要である。システム１の有利な特徴は、自動的に検出して後側すなわちマイクロ還流カセットと前側のカセットとを区別することである。この特徴によって、ユーザが不注意で特定の処置に対して誤った還流カセットを取り付けて使用してしまうことが防止される。
本発明によれば、前側の処置を施行中に使用するように設計されたカセットを後側の処置に使用されるＩＡＶモジュール３２１に挿入すると、ユーザインタフェースがこのエラーを可視的および／または可聴的にに示し、間違ったカセットが取り付けられた状態でシステム１が作動されるのを防止している。
使用される処置に対応するカセットを識別するために、各カセットには特定の色が付けられている。好ましくは、各カセットに付けられた色付手段は、上述した特許において１５０で示されるもののようなカプラ部材またはインサートである。これは通常Ｉ形であり、上述した特許において１３０で示されるようにカセットに形成された逃げに摩擦によって嵌合される。例えば一方が黄で他方が青の上記のような着脱自在の色付手段は、この手段を施さなければ全く同一であるカセットに対して容易に貼り付けおよび取り外しが可能である。カセットをモジュール３２１に挿入し、カセットの存在を示す信号を生成するカセット存在センサ５２５に隣接して色付手段を位置決めする。好ましくは、カセット存在センサ５２５は、例えばフロリダ州ＴａｍｐａのＴｒｉ−Ｔｒｏｎｉｃｓ Ｃｏ．，Ｉｎｃ．によって型番Ｆ４で販売されているもののような光電回路の赤外線光源などの光電カラーセンサによって実現される。黄色は赤外線光を反射し、青はこれを吸収するため、１つの特定の処置に対するカセットと異なる処置に対する別のカセットとが区別される。このため、カセット存在センサはカセットの存在を色付手段の色の機能として検出する。図６１は、カセット存在センサ５２５によって生成された信号を受信し、コンピュータユニット３と通信する好ましい回路を示す。カセットの色が外科医によって選択された特定の処置に対応しない場合には、可聴および／または可視信号によってユーザインタフェースを介してユーザにその旨が示される。また、コンピュータユニット３は、この情報に応答して、ユーザが正しいカセットを取り付けるまでの間、あらゆる眼科処置が実施されるのを防止する。図３２の実施例では、カセット存在センサ５２５は、まずＥＰＬＤ４６７のステータスレジスタ５２７に信号を供給し、コンピュータユニット３に信号を供給してカセットが誤っていることをユーザに通知する。次いで、ＥＰＬＤ４６７およびコプロセッサ回路４６５がこの信号をニューロン回路４５５に供給し、コンピュータユニット３と返信の通信を行う。
特定の吸引および灌流レベルに関するフィードバックに加え、モジュール３２１は、ユーザインタフェースを介してカセットを交換しなければならないことをユーザに通知するための概全（ａｌｍｏｓｔ ｆｕｌｌ）および全信号を生成するカセットレベルセンサ５２９も含む。
ユーザがユーザインタフェースを介して利用できる呼び水機能によって、ユーザは開口を利用し、灌流ピンチ弁４９５を閉じて吸引ラインから空気を除去することによって外科手術用ハンドピースに呼び水をする。この機能によって、ユーザは取り出しのオプションを選んで吸引回収カセットを取り出すこともできる。
上述したように、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１は、システム１の硝子体摘出機能もサポートしている。好ましい実施例では、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１は硝子体摘出ポートを含み、このポートに硝子体摘出カッターが接続される。好ましくは、モジュール３２１は硝子体摘出カッターで３タイプの執刀動作すなわちリニア執刀速度、固定執刀速度および単回執刀が利用できるようにこのカッターを制御する。好ましくは、リニア執刀速度は３０〜７５０ｃｕｔｓ／分の範囲にすることができ、１ｃｕｔ／分ずつ増やすことができる。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して執刀速度を設定し、フット制御アセンブリ１５によって執刀速度を制御する。また、ユーザは固定執刀速度をプログラミングし、１分あたり３０〜７５０ｃｕｔｓ／分で、１ｃｕｔ／分ずつ増やすようにすることができる。この例では、ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して固定執刀速度を設定し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して固定執刀速度を変更する。単回執刀は固定のオン／オフ制御で用いられる。単回執刀がイネーブル（オン）の時には、硝子体摘出カッターは１回の作動で１回ずつ閉／開を行う。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して単回執刀を選択し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して執刀を施行する。ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１に取り付けられた硝子体摘出カッターは、ベンチュリポンプを駆動するためにも使用される外部の空気／ガス入力から駆動される。
図３２に示されるように、ＥＰＬＤ４６７は、硝子体摘出カッターの執刀速度を設定するのに必要なタイミング機能を実施するための硝子体摘出タイマ５３３を含むと好ましい。ソレノイドドライバ４９７は、硝子体摘出タイマ５３３からのタイミング信号の機能として硝子体摘出ソレノイド５３５を駆動し、硝子体摘出執刀を制御する。
好ましくは、システム１はＩＡＶモジュール３２１に加えて、またはこれの代わりにスクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３を含む。ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１と同様ではあるが、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３はベンチュリポンプではなくスクロールポンプ（図示せず）を用いて灌流および吸引機能を提供する。本発明によれば、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３のスクロールポンプはベンチュリ吸引システム（すなわち減圧制御）またはスクロール吸引システム（すなわちフロー制御）として機能することができる。
この例では、モジュール３２３は、スクロールポンプと、灌流、吸引、通気および較正を制御するピンチ弁開口と、トランスデューサダイアフラムと、回収用リザーバとを含む使い捨てスクロールカセットと協働して動作する。スクロールカセットは、灌流ラインと、吸引ラインと、回収用リザーバとをカセット筐体の前部に含む。ユーザはモジュール３２３の前部に位置する格納式引き出しにスクロールカセットを装着する。一度装着すると、スクロールカセットはタッチスクリーン２５５を介してモジュール３２３の制御システムおよびドライブに対して係合および離脱される。換言すれば、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３は、タッチスクリーン２５５への入力を介してコマンドを受けるとカセットを引っ張るすなわち係合したり、あるいはカセットを延在させるすなわち離脱させたりする。
スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３の吸引部分は、吸引の減圧またはフロー制御のいずれかを提供する１つの吸引ポートを駆動する。好ましくは、減圧吸引機能によって減圧レベルを０ｍｍＨｇ〜５５０ｍｍＨｇの範囲で１ｍｍＨｇずつ高め、フロー吸引機能によって流速を１ｃｃ／分〜６０ｃｃ／分の範囲で１ｃｃ／分ずつ増やす。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して吸引動作パラメータを設定し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介してこれを変更する。
スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３の灌流部分は、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１と同様に重力によって供給される灌流もサポートしている。しかしながら、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１とは対照的に、モジュール３２３にはピンチ弁４９５は含まれていない。ピンチ弁ではなく、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３は、モジュール３２３内のソレノイドプランジャと使い捨てスクロールカセットとの組み合わせを介して灌流制御を行う。モジュール３２１を用いる場合と同様に、ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５をスクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３の灌流機能の固定のオン／オフ（開／閉）制御を行う。
ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１と同様に、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３はシステム１の硝子体摘出機能もサポートしている。しかしながら、モジュール３２３内に位置する空気ポンプは、ベンチュリＩＡＶモジュール３２１への外部の空気／ガス入力ではなくスクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３に取り付けられた硝子体摘出カッターを駆動する。
図１４７および図１４８は、スクロールＩＡＶモジュール３２３と一緒に用いるのに好ましい圧力検知回路を概略図の形で示している。
図３３に戻り、水晶体超音波乳化および水晶体超音波破砕モジュール（超音波乳化）３２５（図２６Ａ乃至図２６Ｔに詳細に示す）は、水晶体超音波乳化および／または水晶体超音波破砕用ハンドピース５３９が接続されている超音波乳化吸引出力ポート５３７に対し、例えば最大３５ワットの超音波乳化吸引パワーを周波数２９±２ｋＨｚで５０００オームにして供給する内蔵モジュールである。好ましい一実施例では、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５はリニア動作およびパルス動作の両方をサポートしている。リニア超音波乳化吸引機能では、ユーザが１％ずつインクリメントして最大０％〜１００％の範囲でプログラムできる連続超音波乳化吸引パワーが得られる。外科医は、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５のセンターフットペダルを押すことによってリニア超音波乳化吸引出力をプログラミングした最小超音波乳化吸引パワーレベルで作動させ、次いでリニアフットペダル移動の機能としてこれをプログラミングした最大出力レベルまで増加させる。この例では、リニア超音波乳化吸引パワーはゼロから固定リニア速度で立ち上がる。好ましくは、ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して出力レベルを設定し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介してリニア超音波乳化吸引機能を制御する。リニア動作とは対照的に、パルス超音波乳化吸引機能では、プログラミングした、限られた時間（例えば周期的）だけ超音波乳化吸引パワーが得られる。モジュール３２５によって、ユーザは固定のオン／オフパワー制御を行うことができる。この制御は、ユーザが１％ずつインクリメントして最大１％〜１００％で設定できるものである。次に、ユーザはパルス出力制御をプログラミングして、１秒あたり１パルスずつインクリメントして１秒あたり１〜２０回のパルスを得ることができる。ユーザは、出力パワーレベルおよびパルス繰返し数をタッチスクリーン２５５経由で設定し、これをフットコントロールアセンブリ１５経由で制御する。
好ましい実施例では、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、バックプレーン１０１に接続されるモジュール３２５の後部においてネットワークコネクタ１７１を介してネットワークに接続されたニューロン回路５４１を有する。ニューロン回路５４１は、データ通信バスを介してデータを受信および送信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３を含む。送受信機２２３に結合されたニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、モジュール３２５のネットワーク通信制御を行う。また、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、システム１の水晶体超音波乳化および水晶体超音波破砕機能を制御するための、メモリ５４３（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）に格納された内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムも実行する。メモリ５４３は、ネットワーク上のモジュール３２５を初期化するための構成および識別データも格納している。有利なことに、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ５４３を再プログラミングすることができる。ニューロン回路５４１は、ニューロン２２５が動作するための時間ベースを提供しているクロック回路５４５（例えば水晶発振子）も含む。超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、ＩＡＶモジュール３２１と同様に、回路で使用する±５ボルトおよび４ボルトの電力を生成するための電力調整または基準電圧回路５４６を含む。図３３には図示していないが、ニューロン回路５４１は、コンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機と、モジュール３２５がアクティブであることを示すステータスＬＥＤとを含む。
図３３に示されるように、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、ＥＰＬＤ５４９と協働するコプロセッサ回路５４７を含む。コプロセッサ回路５４７は、コプロセッサ５５１（例えばＩｎｔｅｌ ３８６ＥＸプロセッサ）および関連のメモリ５５３（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭおよびスタティックＲＡＭ）と、クロック回路５５５（例えば水晶発振子）と、ウォッチドッグ５５７とを含むと好ましい。ＥＰＬＤ５４９は、周波数発生器５６１（例えば正弦波生成器）に対して使用されるクロック信号を供給するためのパルスタイマ５５９を有する。コプロセッサ回路５４５のコプロセッサ５５１は、ＥＰＬＤ５４７と協働して周波数発生器５６１に制御信号を供給し、パルス超音波乳化吸引出力用のプログラム可能な周波数を生成する。超音波乳化吸引ドライブ回路５６３は、周波数発生器５６１によって生成されたプログラム可能な周波数を利用し、超音波乳化吸引出力５３７を駆動する。有利なことに、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、超音波乳化吸引ドライブ５６３に供給されるレール電圧を例えばコマンドによって指定された超音波乳化吸引電圧レベルよりも高い３ボルトに維持するためのブーストレギュレータ５６５を含む。これによって、過剰な電力散逸が超音波乳化吸引ドライブ５６３にて発生するのが防止される。超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、ブースト電圧だけでなく、超音波乳化吸引パワーの位相も監視するためのモニタ回路５６７も含む。最適な超音波乳化吸引機能を得るために、電流および電圧の位相は、負荷が変わった場合でもハンドピース５３９の共振周波数上に維持されると望ましい。モニタ回路５６７は、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５における過電流状態を防止するための過電流検出器も提供する。
本発明によれば、超音波乳化吸引モジュール３２５は、超音波乳化吸引出力５３７に接続されたハンドピース５３９の存在を検出するためのプローブ存在回路５７１も含む。コプロセッサ回路５４７およびＥＰＬＤ５４９は、プローブ存在回路の出力とモニタ回路５６７によって生成されるシャットダウン信号とを組み合わせ、リレー制御装置５７５を駆動する。これによって、望ましくない動作状態にある場合にはリレー制御装置５７５が超音波乳化吸引ドライブ５６３をディスエーブルにする。
図３４に鑑みると、メスモジュール３２７（図８９乃至図１０３に詳細に示す）は、システム１にメス機能だけでなく空気流体交換および鉗子機能も提供すると好ましい。好ましい実施例では、モジュール３２７は、ポート５７９に接続されるメス／鉗子ハンドピースのユーザが選択した動作モードおよび動作パラメータに鑑みてモジュール３２７が制御する、電気的に駆動されるポート５７９を支持する。
メスモジュール３２７は、リニア執刀速度、固定執刀速度、単回作動および比例式作動を含むメス／鉗子機能を提供すると好ましい。例えば、ユーザは、メスモジュール３２７をプログラミングして、タッチスクリーン２５５またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して１ｃｕｔ／分ずつインクリメントして３０〜３００ｃｕｔｓ／分を行うリニア執刀速度を得ることができる。この例では、外科医はフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して実際のカッター速度を制御する。ユーザは、モジュール３２７をプログラミングして、タッチスクリーン２５５またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５でオン／オフ制御を行って１ｃｕｔ／分ずつインクリメントして３０〜３００ｃｕｔｓ／分を行う固定執刀速度を得ることができる。他の動作パラメータを用いる場合と同様に、ユーザはモジュール３２７をプログラミングして単回執刀または個々のデュアルメス／鉗子サイクルを得ることもできる。外科医は、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して単回執刀を作動させると好ましい。比例式作動機能では、メスハンドピースを特定の比率だけ閉じる。例えば、ユーザはメスモジュール３２７をプログラミングして、タッチスクリーン２５５およびフットコントロールアセンブリ１５によってユーザがリニア制御を行う、２５％ずつ閉じて０％〜１００％閉じる比例式作動を得ることができる。
他のモジュール１３を用いる場合と同様に、メスモジュール３２７は、バックプレーン１０１と接続するモジュール３２７の後部でネットワークコネクタ１７１を介してネットワークに接続されたニューロン回路５８３を有する。ニューロン回路５８３は、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５に結合されたデータ通信バスを介してデータを受信および送信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３を含む。ネットワーク通信制御に加え、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、システム１のメス／鉗子および空気／流体交換機能を制御するための、メモリ５８５（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）に格納された内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムも実行する。メモリ５８５は、ネットワーク上のモジュール３２７を初期化するための構成および識別データも格納している。有利なことに、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ５８５を再プログラミングすることができる。ニューロン回路５８３は、ウォッチドッグタイマ回路５８７およびクロック回路５８９も含む。図３４には図示していないが、ニューロン回路５８５は、コンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機を含む。
他のモジュール１３のうちのいくつかと同様に、メスモジュール３２７は、ニューロン回路５８５のニューロンプロセッサ２２５と一緒に用いられ、ユーザが入力した動作パラメータの機能としてメス／鉗子ハンドピースを制御するＥＰＬＤ５９５を含む。特に、ＥＰＬＤ５９５は、ソレノイドドライブ５９７またはＤＣモータドライブ５９９のいずれかを選択してハンドピースポート５７９を駆動するためのドライブセレクタである。このように、メスモジュール３２７は２タイプのメス装置を駆動することができる。
図３４に示されるように、メスモジュール３２７は、空気流体交換機能を提供するための空気制御装置６０５も含む。例えば、空気制御装置は３つのソレノイド弁を駆動して、ＩＯＰの加圧、解放および保持を制御する。好ましくは、モジュール３２７の空気流体交換部分は、空気制御装置６０５の一部である空気ポンプによって駆動される１つの空気ポート（図示せず）をサポートする。一例として、このポンプは、最大５立方フィート毎時までの流速で、１ｍｍＨｇずつインクリメントして最大１００ｍｍＨｇまでの空気圧をサポートする。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して空気流体交換ポートを制御する。図３４は、ニューロン回路５８３にフィードバックを行うためのＩＯＰ検出器６０７（例えば圧力トランスデューサ）も示している。ＩＯＰ検出器６０７が過圧状態または圧力不足（ｕｎｄｅｒ ｐｒｅｓｓｕｒｅ）状態を検出したのに応答して、ユーザインタフェースは可聴警告を発する。メスモジュール３２７はさらに、モジュールがアクティブであることを示す、モジュール３２７のフロントパネル表面の緑色のＬＥＤなどのステータスＬＥＤ６１１と、ポート５７９に接続されたメスハンドピースの存在を検出するハンドピース検出器回路６１３とを含む。図３４には図示していないが、ニューロン回路はコンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機も含んでいる。
電力損失またはモジュール故障が発生した場合に備えて、モジュール３２７には空気レシーバおよび遮断弁が設けられ、故障状態に応えるだけの適当な時間をユーザに与える。
図３５に示されるように、バイポーラ凝固モジュール３２９（図１０４乃至図１１３に詳細に示す）は、単一のバイポーラ出力６２５をサポートする内蔵モジュールである。好ましい実施例では、バイポーラ出力は、最大７．５ワットのバイポーラパワーを１００オームにして供給する。好ましくは、モジュール３２９はポートを制御して固定バイポーラ機能またはリニアバイポーラ機能を提供する。ユーザは、バイポーラ凝固モジュール３２９をプログラミングして、１％ずつインクリメントする最大２％〜１００％の固定バイポーラパワーを得ることができる。バイポーラ出力は、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５の瞬間接触（押ボタン）スイッチを介して、プログラミングされた出力パワーレベルで作動されると好ましい。バイポーラ出力は、押ボタンが押されている限りは作動状態に維持される。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して出力レベルを設定し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５の押ボタンを介して上記の設定値を変更する。ユーザは、モジュール３２９をプログラミングして、最大２％〜１００％のリニアバイポーラパワーを得ることができ、パワーレベルを１％ずつインクリメントして変更することができる。バイポーラ出力は、外科医がフットコントロールアセンブリ１５のセンターフットペダルを押した時にリニア超音波乳化吸引出力をプログラミングした最小超音波乳化吸引パワーレベルで作動され、次いでリニアフットペダル移動の機能としてこれをプログラミングした最大出力パワーレベルまで増加すると好ましい。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介して出力レベルを設定し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介してこのレベルを制御する。
他のモジュール１３を用いる場合と同様に、凝固モジュール３２９は、バックプレーン１０１と接続するモジュール３２９の後部でネットワークコネクタ１７１を介してネットワークに接続されたニューロン回路６２７を有する。ニューロン回路６２７は、データ通信バスを介してデータを受信および送信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３を含む。ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は送受信機２２３に結合され、モジュール３２９に対するネットワーク通信制御を行う。ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、システム１のバイポーラ凝固機能を制御するための内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムも実行する。この例では、ニューロン回路６２７は、凝固モジュール３２９用のアプリケーションプログラムを格納するためのメモリ６２９（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）を含む。さらに、メモリ６２９は、ネットワーク上のモジュール３２９を初期化するための構成および識別データを格納している。有利なことに、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ６２９を再プログラミングすることができる。ニューロン回路６２７は、ニューロン２２５が動作するための時間ベースを提供しているクロック回路６３１（例えば水晶発振子）も含む。図３５には図示していないが、ニューロン回路６２７は、コンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機を含む。
凝固モジュール３２９は、ニューロン回路６２７のニューロンプロセッサ２２５と一緒に用いられ、ユーザが入力した動作パラメータの機能としてバイポーラ凝固デバイスを制御するＥＰＬＤ６３５を含む。特に、ＥＰＬＤ６３５は、イネーブル信号を生成して凝固をイネーブルにする制御論理回路６３７と、バイポーラ出力電圧および出力アクティビティ（固定またはリニア出力）を監視するアクティビティモニタ６３９と、パルス幅変調周波数を生成するためのバイポーラタイマ６４１とを含む。
バイポーラ凝固モジュール３２９はさらに、過剰出力状態または望ましくない出力状態が発生した場合にバイポーラ出力６２５へのパワーを遮断するための過電圧検出器６４５を含む。好ましくは、過電圧検出器６４５はニューロンプロセッサ２２５および送受信機２２３を介してネットワークとも通信し、ユーザに対して望ましくない出力状態にあることをアラームで警告する。
本発明によれば、ニューロン回路６２７のニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、ＥＰＬＤ６３５との組み合わせで、正しい位相順序で一組のプリドライバ６４９をイネーブルにする。これによって、一組のパワードライバ６５１がバイポーラ出力６２５にパワーを供給する。一実施例では、凝固モジュール３２９はパワードライバ６５１の出力を調節するためのアイソレーション・インピーダンスマッチングネットワーク６５３も含む。
図３５は、上述したように、モジュール３２９のフロントパネルに配置されて凝固モジュール３２９がアクティブであることをユーザに示す緑色のＬＥＤであるステータスＬＥＤ６５７を示している。モジュール３２９は、過電流状態を防止してノイズを抑えるためのパワーヒューズ・フィルタリング回路６５９も含む。
以下、図３６を参照すると、照明モジュール３３１（図１１４乃至図１２５に詳細に示す）は、モジュール３３１の前部における照明ポートに対応する光を提供するための第１のランプ６６５および第２のランプ６６７などの少なくとも２つのランプを有する内蔵モジュールである。本発明によれば、ユーザは、外科医が外科手術の術中に患者の眼球後部を照らす際に用いる眼内照明などの光ファイバ照明装置をこれらのポートのうち一方または両方に接続する。モジュール３３１はランプ６６５、６６７によって各ポートに照射される光を個別制御するが、必要であればこれらを同時に使用することもできる。さらに、モジュール３３１はポートで得られる光の強度を独立に制御する。ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５またはリモートコントロール装置３９を介して高（１００％）、中（７５％）または低（５０％）出力照明レベルを選択することができる。
好ましい実施例では、バックプレーン１０１に接続されるモジュール３３１の後部においてネットワークコネクタ１７１を介してネットワークに接続されたニューロン回路６７１を有する。ニューロン回路６７１は、ＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３およびニューロンプロセッサ２２５を含む。ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、ネットワーク通信制御ならびにアプリケーションプログラムを実行し、システム１の照明機能を制御する。この例では、ニューロン回路６７１は、照明モジュール３３１用のアプリケーションプログラムを格納するためのメモリ６７３（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）を含む。さらに、メモリ６７３は、ネットワーク上のモジュール３３１を初期化するための構成および識別データも格納している。有利なことに、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ６７３を再プログラミングすることができる。ニューロン回路６７１は、ニューロン回路６７１によって使用されるクロック信号を供給するクロック回路６７５（例えば水晶発振子）およびウォッチドッグタイマ６７６も含む。図３３には図示していないが、ニューロン回路６７１は、コンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのもう１つのＲＳ４８５送受信機を含む。
図３６に示されるように、ニューロン回路６７１のニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、第１のパワーリレー６７７にランプ６６５用のオン／オフ信号を供給し、第２のパワーリレー６７９にランプ６６７用のオン／オフ信号を供給する。これによって、リレー６７７、６７９のうちの一方または両方が１２ボルト電源６８１（電源モジュール１０３からバックプレーン１０１経由で供給される）を第１のランプドライバ回路６８３および／または第２のランプドライバ回路６８５にそれぞれ接続し、ランプ６６５およびランプ６６７のうちの一方または両方を点灯させる。好ましい実施例では、ランプドライバ６８３、６８５がニューロン回路６７１に対してランプ６６５、６６７の状態に関するフィードバックを行う。
ランプ６６５によって得られる光の強度を変化させるために、照明モジュール３３１のニューロン回路６７１はまず、所望の強度を表すシリアルデータをデジタルアナログ（Ｄ／Ａ）変換器６８９に供給する。Ｄ／Ａ変換器６８９の出力に応答して、調光装置ドライバ回路６９１が調光装置回路６９３を駆動する。本発明によれば、調光装置回路６９３はランプ６６５の強度を調節する。このように、調光装置ドライバ６９１は調光装置回路６９３をＤ／Ａ変換器６８９へのシリアルデータ入力の機能として制御し、ランプ６６５の強度を所望のレベルに設定する。同様に、ニューロン回路６７１は、所望の強度を表すシリアルデータをデジタルアナログ（Ｄ／Ａ）変換器６９７に供給し、ランプ６６７によって得られる光の強度を変化させる。次にＤ／Ａ変換器６９７がアナログ強度信号を調光装置ドライバ回路６９９に供給し、これによってＤ／Ａ変換器６９７へのシリアルデータ入力の機能として調光装置回路７０１が制御され、ランプ６６７の強度レベルが変化する。
図３６をさらに参照すると、照明モジュール３３１は、モジュール３３１の前部に設けられてモジュール３３１がアクティブであることをユーザに示す緑色のＬＥＤなどのステータスＬＥＤ７０５も含む。モジュール３３１は、コンポーネントを破損する可能性があるモジュール３３１内の過剰な熱を散逸させるための、ニューロン回路６７１のニューロンプロセッサ２２５に応答するファンなどの冷却システム７０７も提供する。
本発明の好ましい実施例では、システム１は、リモートフットコントロールアセンブリ１５、自動ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７を有する装置カート２１、延長用架台部２０７およびハンドヘルド式ＩＲリモートコントロール装置３９の中から選択される周辺装置もサポートしている。
これらの周辺装置のうちの１つ、すなわちフットコントロールアセンブリ１５によって、外科手術処置の施行時に外科医は少なくとも１つの顕微手術装置１９を遠隔制御することができる。ユーザは外科医のこともあるが、手術室にいる看護婦またはその他の人間がシステム１のユーザインタフェースに直接入力を行うことも多い。それ自体で、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５は外科医と顕微手術システム１との間の主要なインタフェースとなる。有利なことに、外科医はフットコントロールアセンブリ１５からシステム１によって提供される多数の機能を制御すると共に動作モードを変更することができる。
図３７は、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を制御するための、本発明の好ましい一実施例による制御回路１０５を示している。好ましくは、フットコントロール回路１０５（図１２６乃至図１３６において詳細に示す）はネットワーク通信を行い、少なくとも１つの動作パラメータの機能としてフットコントロールアセンブリ１５の動作を制御する。
架台部７には図示していないが、フットコントロール回路１０５は、データ通信バス経由でデータを受信および送信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３を含むニューロン回路７１７を有する。ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、送受信機２２３に結合され、フットコントロール回路１０５のネットワーク通信制御を行う。このように、コンピュータネットワークに鑑みると、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５は、フットコントロール回路１０５で制御されると機能的にモジュール１３と等価である。換言すれば、フットコントロール回路１０５は、ユーザインタフェースとフットコントロール回路１０５との間で動作パラメータを表すデータを通信するデータ通信バスにも接続されている。このように、データ通信バスはフットコントロール回路１０５と外科手術用モジュール１３との間のピアツーピア通信も可能にする。さらに、フットコントロール回路１０５はフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介してなされる外科医の指示に応答して、ネットワーク経由で顕微手術装置１９の動作パラメータを変更する。
この例では、ニューロン回路７１７の送受信機２２３は、バックプレーン１０１の背面にてコネクタ１５７に接続されるデータケーブル（図示せず）を介してデータ通信バスに接続されている。あるいは、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７がジャンパを提供し、これにフットコントロール回路１０５を接続する。電源入力７２１はフットコントロール回路１０５に電力を供給し、ＶＣＣ生成器７２３などの電圧調整器が回路に必要な論理電圧を供給する。図３７はさらに、フットペダル移動の際に移動止めを提供するために磁粉ブレーキ７２７に接続されたブレーキドライブ回路７２５を示している。
ニューロン回路７１７は、フットコントロール回路１０５用のアプリケーションプログラムを格納するためのメモリ７３１（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）も含む。この例では、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５はＥＰＬＤ７３５と協働して内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムを実行し、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５を制御する。また、メモリ７３１は、ネットワーク上のフットコントロール回路１０５の初期化に用いられる構成および識別データを格納する。さらに、モジュール１３を用いる場合と同様に、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ７３１を再プログラミングすることができる。図３７に示されるように、ニューロン回路７１７は、コンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機７３９も含む。
好ましい一実施例において、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５は、センターフットペダルと、１つのロッカースイッチと、２つの別々の押ボタン式スイッチ（図２３１を参照のこと）とを備えている。センターペダルの縦揺れ（ピッチ）運動および横揺れ（ヨー）運動によって、システム１がデュアルリニアおよびオン／オフ制御されると好ましい。これらの制御は各々、機能および制御パラメータ（すなわちレンジ、モードなど）に鑑みて完全にプログラム可能である。本発明によれば、ＥＰＬＤ７３５は様々なスイッチ７４３から情報を受信し、ピッチエンコーダ７４５およびヨーエンコーダ７４７を介してセンターペダルの移動に関する情報を受信する。本発明によれば、ＥＰＬＤ７３５は、スイッチ復号化、直交復号化／積算およびブレーキ強度符号化を行う。ニューロン２２５で利用できる入力の数が限られているため、ＥＰＬＤ７３５はスイッチ７４３によって供給されるスイッチ信号を復号化する。さらに、ピッチおよびヨーエンコーダ７４５、７４７は各々、フットペダルの運動量および運動方向を示す２つの直交信号を供給する。ＥＰＬＤ７３５は、ニューロン回路７１７のニューロン２２５が使用できるようにこれらの信号を復号化する。さらに、ＥＰＬＤ７３５は、ニューロン２２５によって生成されるブレーキ強度信号を、ブレーキドライブ回路７２５が使用できるように符号化する。
一例として、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５のセンターペダルは、ピッチすなわち垂直方向に約１５°上下運動する。この運動範囲内で、ユーザは２ヶ所の移動止め位置をプログラミングすることができる。さらに、センターペダルがこれらの移動止め位置のうちいずれかを通って移動すると、ペダルによって生じる抵抗が変化して外科医に触覚フィードバックが与えられる。この抵抗は、センターペダルがプログラミングした移動止め（ディテント）範囲内で移動している限りは同一のままであると好ましい。解放されると、ペダルはホーム（上）位置に戻る。機能的には、ユーザはピッチ運動もプログラミングして、適用可能な全ての外科手術に対するリニアまたはオン／オフ制御を行うことができる。例えば、フットコントロールアセンブリ１５によって、相対フットペダル変位（例えば、０°〜１５°下が０％〜１００％出力に相当）の機能としてリニア制御を行い、絶対フットペダル変位（例えば、０°〜１０°下がオフに相当し、１０°〜１５°がオンに相当する）の機能として固定制御を行うことができる。
水平すなわちヨー方向では、センターフットペダルはほぼ±１０°の左／右運動をする。この例では、ペダルは中央移動止めを有し、解放されるとホーム（センター）位置に戻る。機能的には、ユーザはヨー運動をプログラミングして、適用可能な全ての外科手術に対するリニアまたはオン／オフ制御を行うことができる。例えばペダルはによって、相対フットペダル変位（例えば、０°〜１０°左が０％〜１００％出力に相当）の機能としてリニア制御を行い、絶対フットペダル変位（例えば、中央移動止めの左（右）に運動することがオン（オフ）に相当する）の機能として固定オン／オフ制御を行う。
好ましくは、ロッカースイッチはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５のセンターフットペダルの右側に位置する位置スイッチである。解放されると、ロッカースイッチはオフ（センター）位置に戻る。機能的には、ユーザはロッカースイッチをプログラミングして、適用可能な全ての外科手術（例えば、水晶体超音波乳化および水晶体超音波破砕パワーレベル、バイポーラパワーレベル、吸引レベルなど）に対する上／下、インクリメント／デクリメントまたはオン／オフ制御を行うことができる。フットコントロールアセンブリのこれら２つの押ボタン式スイッチは、ロッカースイッチに対向してセンターフットペダルからみて左側に位置していると好ましい。好ましい実施例では、一方のスイッチをバイポーラ出力制御専用にし、ユーザは他方のスイッチをプログラミングして外科手術のうちの１つを制御することができる。解放されると、押ボタン式スイッチはオフ（上）位置に戻る。
以下、図３８を参照すると、システム１は、モータ７５３を制御してＩＶポールアセンブリ１７のＩＶポールを上下させるための制御回路１０７（図１３７乃至図１４６に詳細に示す）を有するＩＶポールアセンブリ１７も含む。好ましくは、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７はネットワーク通信を行い、少なくとも１つの動作パラメータの機能としてＩＶポールアセンブリ１７の動作を制御する。架台部７には取り付けられていないが、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７は、ＲＳ４８５送受信機２２３と送受信機２２３に結合されたニューロンプロセッサ２２５とを含むニューロン回路７５５を有する。それ自体で、ニューロン回路７５５はＩＶポール制御回路１０７をネットワーク通信制御する。このように、コンピュータネットワークに鑑みると、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７は、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７で制御されると機能的にモジュール１３と等価である。換言すれば、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７は、ユーザインタフェースとＩＶポール制御回路１０７との間で動作パラメータを表すデータを通信するデータ通信バスにも接続されている。ニューロン回路７５５は、ニューロン２２５が動作するための時間ベースを提供しているクロック回路７５７（例えば水晶発振子）も含む。電源入力７５９は、好ましくは架台部７から、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７に電力を供給する。
フットコントロール回路１０５と同様に、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７の送受信機２２３は、バックプレーン１０１背面にてコネクタ１５７に接続されるデータケーブル（図示せず）を介してデータ通信バスに接続されている。ニューロン回路７５５は、ＩＶポール制御回路１０７用のアプリケーションプログラムを格納するためのメモリ７６３（例えばフラッシュＥＥＰＲＯＭ）も含む。この例では、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は、内蔵されたアプリケーションプログラムを実行し、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７の動作パラメータの機能としてモータドライブ回路７６５を制御する。また、メモリ７３１は、ネットワーク上のＩＶポール制御回路１０７の初期化に用いられる構成および識別データを格納する。さらに、モジュール１３を用いる場合と同様に、中央処理装置２４５は、ユーザが提供する情報に応答してデータ通信バスを介してメモリ７６３を再プログラミングすることができる。図３８には図示していないが、ニューロン回路７５５は、ウォッチドッグタイマおよび他のコンピュータユニット３からリセット信号を受信するためのＲＳ４８５送受信機７３９も含む。
好ましくは、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１７は計装カート２１と一体の部分であり、例えば５００ｃｃの流体容器２本を最大でカート２１の１００ｃｍ上で位置決めするのに使用される。この点については、ＩＶポールアセンブリ１５のＩＶポールは６ｃｍ／秒の速度で上下に移動可能であり、位置決め分解能１ｃｍ、位置決め再現性２ｃｍである。機能的に、ユーザは、タッチスクリーン２５５、リモートコントロール装置３９またはフットコントロールアセンブリ１５を介してＩＶポールパラメータを設定する。一対のリミットスイッチ７６７によって、ニューロン回路７５５にＩＶポール高に関するフィードバックがなされる。例えば、ＩＶポールがその最大許容高に達すると、一方のリミットスイッチ７６７がモータ７５３によるポールの上への駆動を停止するようニューロン回路７５５に対して指示を出す。同様に、ポールが最低限まで下がると、他方のリミットスイッチ７６７がモータ７５３によるポールの下への駆動を停止するようニューロン回路７５５に指示を出す。他の実施例では、ＩＶポールが最低限まで下がると１つのリミットスイッチ７６７がこれを検知する。この実施例ではモータ７５３はステップモータであり、ニューロン２２５は歩進数を計数してポールがいつ最大限まで上がるかを判断する。
図３９は、電源モジュール１０３をブロック図の形で示している。図示のように、電源モジュール１０３は、ＡＣ電力を受信する電力口７７１を含む。好ましくは、架台部７に取り付けられる様々なモジュール１３によって使用されるＤＣ電圧を切換可能な電源回路７７５が生成する前に電磁障害（ＥＭＩ）フィルタ７７３で電力を調整する。次に切換回路７７９がバックプレーンコネクタ（コネクタ１７１など）を介してこれらの電圧をバックプレーン１０１に供給する。好ましい実施例では、電源モジュール１０３は、好ましくは図９に示す開口１９７内に位置する相互係止スイッチ７８３を含む。このスイッチは常開で電源がバックプレーン１０１の電源バスに供給されるのを遮断している。フロントカバー１１３を架台部７の上に取り付けると、支柱１９５が開口１９７内まで延在して相互係止スイッチ７８３を閉じる。このようにして、システム１はモジュール１３を交換するたびにリセット状態を生み、起動時にユーザがバックプレーン１０１と接触してしまうのを防止する。
電源モジュール１０３は、そのアクティブ状態を示すステータスＬＥＤ７８７と、モジュール内の過熱を防止するためのファン７８９とを含む。
添付のマイクロフィッシュ付属物はシステム１用のソフトウェアのプログラムリストである。本発明によれば、本願明細書にて開示したように、コンピュータユニット３はマイクロフィッシュ付属物に列挙してあるソフトウェアを実行し、本発明のユーザインタフェースおよびネットワークマネジメント特徴を提供する。さらに、ニューロンプロセッサ２２５は付属物に列挙してあるソフトウェアを実行し、様々な顕微手術装置１９および周辺装置を制御する。
上記に鑑みて、本発明の様々な目的が達成され、その他の有利な結果が得られることは明らかであろう。
本発明の範囲を逸脱することなく上記の構成および方法に対して様々な変更を施すことができるため、上記の説明に含まれるかまたは添付の図面に示される全ての内容は、一例であって限定する意味のものではないことを理解されたい。 Technical field
The present invention relates generally to a microsurgical system and an ophthalmic system, and more particularly to a control system for operating a microsurgical apparatus.
Background of the Invention
Today, ophthalmic microsurgical systems are provided with one or more surgical devices connected to a control console. These devices are often operated by electricity or air, and an electric control signal or a fluid pressure control signal for operating the device is output from the control console. The control console typically includes several different types of controllers that can be operated by a human to generate control signals that are supplied to the surgical device. Surgeons often use a foot pedal controller to remotely control a surgical device.
Conventional consoles have pushbutton switches and adjustable knobs for setting the desired operating characteristics of the system. Conventional control systems usually perform several different functions. For example, a typical ophthalmic microsurgery system has an anterior capsule (anterior segment) and / or posterior capsule (posterior segment) operating force, and is irrigated / aspirated, vitrectomy, micro scalpel, optical fiber illumination And may include various functions such as crushing / emulsification.
Although conventional microsurgical and ophthalmic systems have helped to enable microsurgery and ophthalmic surgery, these systems are not without their drawbacks. Microsurgical and ophthalmic systems are relatively expensive and are often purchased at hospitals and clinics so that multiple surgeons with different specialties can share them. In ophthalmic surgery, for example, some surgeons specialize in anterior capsule treatment, while others specialize in posterior capsule treatment. Because of the differences in these procedures, a control system is not set up with the same operating characteristics for both procedures. Also, because eye surgery is a sensitive feature, the response characteristics or “feel” of the system is for surgeons working in several different hospitals using different types and models. It can be a concern.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,933,843, 5,157,603, 5,417,246, assigned to the same assignee as the present application and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. And US Pat. No. 5,455,766 disclose improved microsurgical control systems. For example, such a system improves the uniformity of performance characteristics while also providing sufficient flexibility of the system to accommodate a variety of different procedures. The systems shown in these patents improve upon the prior art by providing a programmable and general microsurgical control system. The system can be easily programmed to perform a variety of different surgical procedures and can be programmed to obtain the response characteristics each particular surgeon requires. The control system is pre-programmed and performs a variety of different functions to enforce a variety of different procedures. These pre-programmed functions can be selected by pressing a button on the front panel.
In addition to the pre-programmed functions, the above patents disclose that each surgeon is given a program key. The program key includes a digital memory circuit loaded with specific response characteristic parameters selected by the surgeon and specific surgical procedure parameters. When this key is inserted into the system console jack, the system is automatically set up and responds in a manner familiar to each surgeon.
Console push buttons and potentiometer knobs are programmable for maximum versatility. Functionality and response characteristics can be modified to suit what the surgeon needs. The console's electronic display screen displays not only the current function of each programmable button or knob, but also other related information. The display screen is self-illuminated and can be easily read even in a dark operating room.
The above-mentioned system provides an improvement over the prior art but is further improved to improve performance, simplify operation, simplify repair and replacement, and reduce repair time and costs. It is necessary to do.
Disclosure of the invention
Among the objects of the present invention, the provision of an improved system that enables network communication between the components, the provision of the system that is modular, the provision of the system that enables distributed control of the components, and the power supply Providing the above system that automatically reconfigures itself upon input, providing the above system that allows operation in a number of different modes, providing the above system operating in different modes in a predefined sequence, to different configurations The provision of the above-described system enabling the adaptation of the above-mentioned system, the provision of the above-described system that can be easily reprogrammed, and the provision of the above-described system circuit that is economically feasible and commercially useful can be mentioned.
Briefly described, a system embodying aspects of the present invention controls a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a data communication bus and a user interface connected to the data communication bus. The user interface receives information from the user that provides information to the user and represents operating parameters of the microsurgical device. The system also includes first and second surgical modules. Each surgical module is connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controls one such microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter. The surgical module is also connected to a data communication bus that communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules. In particular, data can be transmitted between surgical modules and / or between a user interface and one or more surgical modules.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a data communication bus and a user interface connected to the data communication bus. The user interface receives information from the user that provides information to the user and represents operating parameters of the microsurgical device. The system also includes a surgical module and a remote control circuit. The surgical module is connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controls one such microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter. The remote control circuit is connected to the remote control device and controls the remote control device as a function of at least one operating parameter. During the surgical procedure, the remote control device operates to change the operating parameters of the microsurgical device. Both the surgical module and the control circuit are connected to a data communication bus that communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface, the surgical module, and the remote control circuit. In particular, data can be transmitted between the surgical module and the control circuit and / or between the user interface and one or both of the surgical module and the control circuit.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a user interface that provides information to the user and receives information from the user that represents operating parameters of the microsurgical device. The system also includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters. The central processing unit reads from the memory a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device. The set of operating parameters read by the central processing unit approximates a personalized set of operating parameters selected by the surgeon provided by the user via the user interface. The system further includes a surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling the microconnector as a function of a set of operating parameters read from the memory.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a user interface that provides information to the user and receives information from the user that represents operating parameters of the microsurgical device. The system also includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters that can be read from the memory as a function of the mode selected by the user. Each mode represents one or more surgical procedures to be performed and is defined by the operation of at least one microsurgical device. The central processing unit reads from the memory a set of operating parameters relating to the microsurgical device used in the selected mode of the plurality of modes. The system further includes a surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling the microconnector as a function of a set of operating parameters read from the memory.
A system embodying another aspect of the present invention controls a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a data communication bus and a user interface connected to the data communication bus. The user interface includes a central processing unit that provides information to the user and receives information representing operating parameters of the microsurgical device from the user. The system includes a surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling one of the microsurgical devices as a function of at least one operating parameter. The surgical module has a flash EEPROM that stores an executable routine for controlling the corresponding microsurgical device connected to the module during the surgical procedure and is connected to the data communication bus. ing. The data communication bus communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface and the module, and the central processing unit reprograms the flash EEPROM over the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a data communication bus and a user interface connected to the data communication bus. The user interface includes a central processing unit that provides information to the user and receives information representing operating parameters of the microsurgical device from the user. The system also includes a surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling one of the microsurgical devices as a function of at least one operating parameter. The surgical module is also connected to a data communication bus that communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical module. In this case, the central processing unit executes a routine for identifying and initializing the modules communicating via the data communication bus.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices connected to the system. The microsurgical device is used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The system includes a user interface that provides information to the user for display and receives information representing the operating parameters of the ophthalmic procedure and the microsurgical device used by the surgeon when performing the ophthalmic procedure from the user. . The user selects each treatment via the user interface. The suction module of the system can accommodate a variety of microsurgical cassettes, each with a different colored insert. Each color indicates a procedure using that cassette. This system also detects the color of the colored insert when the cassette is housed in the system, and if the color of the colored insert of the cassette housed in the system does not correspond to the specific treatment selected. Sensors are also included for providing that information to the user interface.
Alternatively, the present invention may include various other systems and methods.
Other objects and features will be apparent to some extent and will be described to some extent below.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a control system for microsurgery according to the present invention, which is used with an ophthalmic microsurgery device and has a plurality of modules.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gantry of the system of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gantry shown without the front cover.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the gantry chassis.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the gantry chassis.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the gantry.
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the gantry front cover.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the general modules of the system of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the module.
FIG. 11 is a partial bottom view of the module.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a general gantry and module assembly.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view in a plane taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 7, but the module is shown in the gantry.
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 5C-5C in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication network according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a termination circuit for selectively terminating the network of FIG.
17 and 18 are block diagrams of a user interface computer according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a communication network circuit for the user interface computer of FIGS.
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a termination circuit of the network circuit of FIG. 19 for selectively terminating the network.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 showing the data flow in the system according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 shows an example of the numeric keypad screen display according to the present invention.
FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are an example of a flowchart showing the operation of the central processing unit in the user interface computer for defining the operation mode and mode sequence of the system.
FIGS. 25 and 26 are an example of a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the central processing unit in the user interface computer for adapting the system setup file.
27 to 30 are examples of screen displays generated by a user interface computer for selecting an operation mode according to the present invention.
FIG. 31 is an example of a flowchart showing the operation of the central processing unit in the user interface computer for automatically configuring the system.
32 is a block diagram of a perfusion, aspiration and / or vitrectomy module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a lens ultrasonic emulsification and / or lens ultrasonic disruption module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 34 is a block diagram of an air fluid exchange, scalpel and / or forceps module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a bipolar coagulation module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
36 is a block diagram of a lighting module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a peripheral foot control circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a peripheral vein pole control circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a power supply module according to a preferred embodiment of the system of FIG.
40 to 42 are schematic views showing the communication power backplane in the gantry part of FIGS. 3 to 8.
43 to 60 are schematic diagrams illustrating the perfusion, aspiration and / or vitrectomy module of FIG.
FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cassette detector used with the perfusion, aspiration and / or vitrectomy module of FIGS. 32 and 43-60.
62 to 88 are schematic views showing the lens ultrasonic emulsification and / or lens ultrasonic fragmentation module of FIG.
89 to 103 are schematic diagrams showing the air fluid exchange, electric knife and / or forceps module of FIG.
104 to 113 are schematic views showing the bipolar coagulation module of FIG.
114 to 125 are schematic views showing the illumination module of FIG.
126 to 136 are schematic diagrams showing the foot control circuit of FIG.
FIG. 137 to FIG. 146 are schematic diagrams showing the vein pole control circuit of FIG.
FIGS. 147 and 148 are schematic diagrams illustrating a pressure sensing circuit for use with a scroll pump according to another embodiment of the perfusion, aspiration and / or vitrectomy modules of FIGS. 32 and 43-60.
FIGS. 149 and 150 are schematic views showing the power supply module of FIG. 39 for supplying power to the backplanes of FIGS.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a microsurgical control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally at 1. As shown, the system 1 includes a computer unit 3 having a flat panel display 5, a pedestal 7 containing a plurality of modules 13, a foot control assembly 15 and a motorized intravenous (IV) pole assembly 17 (each Peripheral devices such as those indicated generally by reference numerals). Each of the modules 13 housed in the gantry 7 controls at least one ophthalmic microsurgical device 19 used by the surgeon when performing various ophthalmic procedures. As is well known in the art, ophthalmic microsurgery requires the use of multiple different devices 19 to perform different functions. These devices 19 include a vitrectomy cutter, a phacoemulsification or phacoemulsification handpiece, an electric micro knife, an optical fiber illumination device, a coagulation handpiece and other microsurgical devices well known in the prior art. It is done. To optimize the performance of the device 19 during the operation, for example, the specific procedure to be performed and the various stages of the procedure, the personal preference of the surgeon, the procedure is performed in the front of the eye of the patient's eye or in the back of the eye. The operation parameter is changed depending on whether or not there is.
As shown in FIG. 1, an instrumentation cart, generally designated 21, supports the system 1. Preferably, the cart 21 includes a surgical or Mayo tray 25, an automatic IV pole assembly 17, a storage space 27 for receiving the foot control assembly 15, disposable packs and other items, and an extension cradle (see FIG. 1 includes an opening 33 for accommodating a rotary caster 35. As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry unit 7 and the computer unit 3 are preferably placed on the upper surface of the instrumentation cart 21, and the Mayo tray 25 is preferably connected to a connecting arm ( (Not shown). In addition, the instrumentation cart 21 holds a remote control transmitter generally indicated by 39 for remotely controlling the system 1.
In accordance with the present invention, the module 13 in the cradle section 7 contains control circuitry for various microsurgical devices 19 so that the system user can configure the system 1 for optimal use by the surgeon. ing. As will be described in detail later, module 13 includes a connection or port for connecting one or more microsurgical devices 19 to each module 13 and the operation of the one or more specific devices 19 to be connected. A control circuit group necessary for controlling the device is accommodated. For this reason, the user can configure the system 1 by inserting a desired module 13 into the gantry 7 to suit a particular surgeon's preference, control each device 19 required for a particular surgical procedure, or The system 1 can be optimized to be optimal for use by the surgeon.
As will be described in detail later, the foot control assembly 15 and the IV pole assembly 17 include electronic control circuits for controlling their operations.
In order to assist the user in a configurable state, the control circuit for each computer unit 3, each module 13, and each peripheral device, ie, the foot control assembly 15 and the IV pole assembly 17, constitute a node on the computer network. Computer networks provide power distribution and peer-to-peer data communication between nodes.
Hereinafter, referring to the block diagram of FIG. 2, the gantry unit 7 includes a plurality of modules 13 for controlling various microsurgical devices 19 that are generally used when performing ophthalmic surgical procedures. In the preferred embodiment, each module 13 controls one or more surgical devices 19 connected to it. A power supply bus and a data communication bus (shown in detail in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 40 to 42) respectively disposed on the backplane 101 connect the modules 13 to each other. When accommodated in the gantry 7, the module 13 engages with the backplane 101 via a connector (for example, the connector 171 in FIG. 10) at the rear of each module 13. When engaged, the backplane 101 performs power distribution between the modules 13 and at the same time performs data communication between the modules 13 and between the module 13 and the computer unit 3. According to the present invention, the module 13 includes a power supply module 103 housed in a gantry 7 connected to both the external AC power supply and the backplane 101. The power supply module 103 supplies power to the backplane 101 and supplies power to the system 1.
In accordance with the present invention, control circuit 105 (see FIGS. 37, 126-136) controls foot control assembly 15, and control circuit 107 (see FIGS. 38 and 137-146). The IV pole assembly 17 is controlled. As described above, the computer unit 3, the modules 13, and the control circuits 105 and 107 for peripheral devices constitute a computer network node. Computer networks provide peer-to-peer data communication between nodes. In other words, each module 13 can directly communicate with other modules 13, peripheral devices, and the computer unit 3. As such, the system 1 provides a modular control of various different devices 19 as well as a user configurable state.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the gantry 7 is in a position for housing a plurality of modules 13 that electronically control the operation of the surgical device 19 used by the surgeon when performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure. A rack having slots is formed. Preferably, the gantry unit 7 may be detachable as shown in FIG. 4 by inserting a chassis 13 (indicated by 109 as a whole), a top cover 111 having a reverse groove shape, and inserting and removing the module 13. And a front cover or bezel 113. In a state where the front cover 113 is fixed in place, the rear wall 115 of the cover holds the module in place in the gantry 7, so that a retainer for keeping the module in the rack is formed. The front cover 113 is held in place by two fixtures (not shown) that are screwed into screw holes formed in front of the chassis 119. Alternatively, the front cover 113 is clipped in place. The top cover 111 includes four circular receptacles 119 for receiving legs provided on the bottom of the computer unit 3. Each of these receptacles 119 is tapered to fit the shape of the leg of the computer unit and to allow the leg to be centered in the receptacle.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chassis 109 includes a rear panel 121 formed integrally with the bottom panel 123. The bottom panel 123 extends perpendicular to the front plane (that is, the front surface) of the backplane 101 that is fixed to the rear panel 121 using a fixture 125. Ten female 18-pin electrical connectors 127 are provided on the front surface of the backplane 101. As shown in FIG. 5, the three leftmost connectors 127 are arranged at intervals of 3 inches, and the remaining connectors 127 are arranged at intervals of 1.5 inches. Each socket of each connector 127 is connected in parallel with sockets of other connectors arranged in the same manner, thereby forming the power supply and data communication bus described above. The rear panel 121 on the backplane 101 is provided with a louver 131 for allowing air to escape from the gantry 7 (FIG. 5). The substantially rectangular opening 133 extends under the backplane 101 through the rear panel 121 so that a three-pronged connector disposed behind the power supply module 103 can be used as will be described later. Similarly, the rear panel 121 includes a pneumatic quick disconnect coupling (not shown) on the back of a perfusion / aspiration / vitrectomy (IAV) (eg, module 321 in FIGS. 32 and 43-60). A circular opening 135 for accommodation is formed. Thirteen parallel rails, each indicated generally at 137, are attached to the bottom panel 123 by fasteners 139 (FIG. 6). The rails 137 are arranged at equal intervals of 1.5 inches and extend perpendicularly to the front portion of the backplane 101. One or a plurality of rails 137 are used to guide the module 13 to a position in the gantry 7 and arrange it at a correct position where it can be connected to the backplane 101. As shown in FIG. 14, the rails 137 are each I-shaped in cross section and include upper and lower horizontal flanges (141, 143, respectively) joined by a vertical web 145.
Referring again to FIG. 5, the four legs 141 extend downward from the bottom panel 123 and are sized to fit in a recess (not shown) formed in the cart 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom panel 123 is provided with an intake lattice portion 153 that allows air to enter the gantry portion 7 and cool the module 13. FIG. 7 shows two female 9-pin circular electrical connectors 157 attached to the back of the rear panel 121. Each of these connectors 157 is connected in parallel to the data communication bus of the backplane 101 and communicates with peripheral devices such as the cart 21 (including the IV pole assembly 17), the computer unit 3 or the foot control assembly 15. Further, as will be described in detail below, the gantry 7 may be connected to another extension gantry using a connector 157. While it is assumed that other connectors are also within the scope of the present invention, the preferred embodiment connector is a Series 703 electrical connector sold by Amphenol Corporation, Wallingford, Connecticut.
FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an example of a module 13 for electronically controlling the operation of a surgical operating device 19 used by a surgeon when performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The module example shown in FIG. 9 is a power supply module 103 for supplying power to the power supply bus of the backplane 101. Each of the modules 13 includes a case 161 made of an aluminum sheet and a front cover 163 made of molded plastic. As shown in FIG. 12, one or more ports are formed in the front cover 163 of a particular module 13 for connecting various surgical devices (not shown) to the module. The power supply module 103 shown in FIG. 9 has a width of 3 inches. Other modules are other widths that are multiples of 1.5 inches (eg, 1.5 inches or 4.5 inches). Each module 13 has a green light emitting diode (LED) 165 or other visual indicator mounted on the front cover 163 to indicate that the module is in operation.
Referring again to FIG. 10, each module 13 includes a male 18-pin electrical connector 171 that can be connected to any of the female connectors 127 mounted on the backplane 101. The connector 171 is accommodated in the case 161 and protects the connector and forms the maximum space in the gantry 7. The cooling fan 173 of the module case 161 on the 18-pin connector 171 is disposed adjacent to an exhaust port 175 provided on the rear surface, and exhausts air from the case 161 to cool components in the module 13.
Referring to FIG. 11, a relief 177 is formed at the bottom of the front cover 163 that grips the module 13 and slides the module 13 in and out of the frame. The opening 179 is provided at the bottom of the module case 161 so that air can flow into the module when the fan 173 is operated to cool the components housed in the module 13. One or more slots 181 are formed in the bottom wall 183 of each module case 161. Each of these slots 181 extends from the rear wall 185 of the case 161 and accommodates one of the guide rails 139 of the bottom panel 123 of the gantry chassis 109 to guide the module 13 and the connector 171 The connector 127 corresponding to the backplane 101 is arranged to be aligned. Thus, the rail 137 and the slot 181 form a guide for guiding each module 13 into the rack so that the respective module connectors 127 are aligned for connection to the bus.
As shown in FIG. 14, the channel 187 is tack welded to the bottom wall 183 of the module case 161 on each slot 181 to prevent the tissue piece from entering the case through the slot 181 and into the case. The contained electronic components are shielded from electronic interference. When the module 13 is guided into the gantry 7, the rail 137 of the gantry has a shape as shown in FIG. Each of the slots 181 and the channel 187 is accommodated in a slidable state. Due to the interengagement between the web 145 and the slot 181 and between the upper flange 141 and the bottom wall 183 of the case, the module 13 is held in place in the gantry 7 so that the module can be either vertical or horizontal. Movement in a direction perpendicular to the rail 137 in direction is substantially prevented.
However, the rail 137 and the slot 161 can move somewhat (for example, 1/16 inch) between the module 13 and the gantry 7 so that the pins of the module connector 171 are properly aligned with the sockets of the backplane connector 127. It is formed in a large size. The connectors 127, 171 are tapered to guide the pins into the socket even if the connectors are initially offset somewhat (eg, 0.1 inches). Even if the rails and slots are dimensioned to some degree of movement, they cannot deviate far from the connector tolerances. Thus, the rails 137 and slots 181 provide piece part tolerances as appropriate, but guide each module 13 to the rack so that each module connector 127 is aligned to a position where it can connect to the bus.
The portion of the bottom wall of the module case 161 adjacent to each slot 183 engages with the upper surface of the lower flange 143 of each rail 137, separating the case 161 from the gantry chassis 109, the module 13, the gantry unit 7, and the like. The contact between the metals can be minimized. In the example of the module 13 shown in FIG. 11, two slots 181 are provided, but one or a plurality of slots may be provided in other modules according to the width thereof. For example, a module 13 having a width of 1.5 inches has one slot 181 and a module having a width of 4.5 inches has three slots.
When the module 13 is attached to the gantry 7, as shown in FIG. 13, the exhaust port 175 and the fan 173 are aligned with the louver 131 in the rear panel 121 of the gantry, and air is discharged from the module when the cooling fan is operated. Vent freely. Similarly, the module intake openings 179 and the lattice portion 153 are aligned on the bottom panel 123 of the gantry, so that air can flow into the module 13 from outside the gantry 7.
In addition, each module 13 performs overcurrent protection so that a failure of one module does not damage other parts of the system 1.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the front cover 163 of each module 13 includes a slope 191 that extends rearward from the front surface 193 along the opposite side of the front surface. The inclined surfaces 191 converge toward the front surface 193, and when the module 13 is disposed at a position on the side of the other module in the gantry 7 in a state where the inclined surface of one module is adjacent to the inclined surface of the other module, the adjacent modules are arranged. Substantially flat front surfaces are separated from each other laterally by a distance D. Since the module front surfaces are separated from each other in the lateral direction, the “easy to see” of the shift between the front surfaces 193 of adjacent modules is reduced. Thus, the tolerance of the piece portion can be increased without deteriorating the appearance of the system 1.
As described above, the module connector 171 is connected to the connector 127 of the backplane 101 when the module 13 is attached to the gantry 7. When the male and female connectors are connected, appropriate circuitry within the module 13 is connected to the power supply and data communication bus of the backplane 101. Regardless of the position of the module 13 in the gantry 7, the same module circuit is connected to the same power source and data communication bus. Thus, the modules 13 are normally interchangeable with each other and may be in any order within the gantry 7. Furthermore, since each module 13 is controlled separately, it is only necessary to attach a module for controlling a device necessary for a specific surgical procedure to be attached to the gantry 7. Thus, the rack described above is configured to accommodate modules 13 at a plurality of different locations along the power and data communication bus, which are organized in a plurality of sequences within the rack.
However, since the power supply module 103 has a dedicated position in the gantry 7, it can be appropriately connected to an external power source through a rectangular opening 133 formed in the rear panel 121 of the gantry. Since the power supply module 103 has a width of 3 inches, the distance between the two leftmost connectors 127 as shown in FIG. 5 is 3 inches. The distance between the second and third connectors from the left as shown in FIG. 5 is such that a module with a width of 3 inches or 4.5 inches can be inserted next to the power supply module 103. When using an IAV (eg, module 321 of FIGS. 32 and 43-60), it must be mounted over the rightmost three rails 137 as shown in FIG. As described above, the pneumatic quick disconnect coupling protrudes from the back surface of the IAV module 321. Since the coupling must extend through a circular opening 135 formed in the rear panel 121 of the gantry 7, the IAV module 321 can be mounted only at the rightmost position. When the IAV module is not used, any other module (other than the power supply module) may be attached at the rightmost position. With the exception of the exceptions mentioned above, the modules 13 are completely interchangeable and may be arranged in any order as required. In this way, the gantry unit 7 is configured so that the modules 13 are accommodated in a plurality of different positions in the rack and can be selectively knitted in a plurality of different sequences in the rack. Since all the modules 13 have a modular structure and are detachably engaged with the backplane 101, they can be quickly attached to or detached from the gantry 7 without using any tools. The quick attachment and removal in this manner facilitates maintenance or replacement of the module as appropriate. For example, when a specific module 13 needs to be repaired, it can be easily removed and transported to a repair facility. At the time of repair, another module may be used at that location, or the system 1 can be operated without a specific module 13.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a support column 195 extends from the rear surface of the front cover 113 of the gantry unit 7. The column 195 is positioned on the front cover so as to engage with the opening 197 (FIG. 9) formed in the power supply module 103 when the module 13 is installed and the cover is attached to the gantry. An interlock switch (for example, an interlock switch 783 in FIG. 39) located behind the opening 197 formed in the power supply module 103 shuts off the power supply when the front cover 113 of the gantry is removed. . For this reason, the user cannot touch the backplane 101 during operation. Furthermore, the specific configuration of the modules in the rack is checked during setup (described below with reference to FIG. 31) and cannot be changed without removing the front cover 113. When the cover 113 is removed, the power supply is cut off, so that the configuration of the module 13 cannot be changed without being detected.
Referring to FIG. 2, the system 1 may further include an extension connector 203 (see FIG. 16) for connecting the gantry part 7 to an optional extension gantry part 207, thereby extending the network. Physically and functionally, the extension base 207 is substantially the same as the base 7. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user can expand the network by connecting the 9-pin connector 157 of the rear panel 121 of the gantry 7 to a similar connector of the gantry 207 for extension using the extension connector 203, thus The operability of the system 1 can be expanded. The extension base 207 of the preferred embodiment has its own power supply module 211. Therefore, the extension connector 203 is connected to the data communication bus of the unit, but is not connected to the power supply bus. However, it can be envisaged that power can be supplied to both units using a single power module without departing from the scope of the invention. When a single power supply module is used, the power supply bus of the backplane 101 of the gantry unit 7 is connected to the power bus of the backplane 209 of the gantry unit 207 to the extension gantry unit 207 via the extension connector 203. Supply power.
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 15, the data communication bus preferably includes a twisted pair cable 215 having a first wire 217 and a second wire 219. In a preferred embodiment, the computer network connecting the components of the system 1 is of the type sold under the trade name LONTALK® by Echelon Corporation using the RS485 communication protocol. The RS485 standard provides a platform for performing multipoint data transmission via a balanced twisted pair transmission line. Each module 13 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving data from the data communication bus and processor 225 coupled to the transceiver 223 and transmitting data to the data communication bus and processor. Motorola is a suitable processor 225, ie a designated NEURON® chip model no. MC143150 is manufactured and National Semiconductor has a suitable transceiver 223, namely a specified chip model no. 75156 is manufactured.
The data communication bus, the transceiver 223 and the processor 225 cooperate to form a communication network by which the module 13, the computer unit 3, the control circuit 105 of the foot control assembly 15 and the control circuit 107 of the IV pole assembly 17 are connected. Communicate with each other. By using the network, the system 1 performs peer-to-peer communication with its components.
In such a network, processor 225 is also referred to herein as a “neuron” or “neuron processor” (NEURON® is a registered trademark of Echelon Corporation). Each neuron processor 225 preferably comprises three 8-bit onboard processors. Two of the three on-board processors form a communication subsystem that allows the transfer of information from one node to another on the network. The third on-board processor executes an embedded application program. Thus, in addition to functioning as a communication processor, the neuron processor 225 controls the microsurgical device 19 connected to its own processor. Preferably, the neuron processor 225 of the module 13 receives data communicated via the data communication bus, generates a control signal in response to this data, and controls the microsurgical device 19.
As shown, the transceiver 223 is inserted into the first and second wires 217 and 219 of the twisted pair cable 215. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, twisted pair cable 215 is disposed on backplane 101 (ie, as part of backplane 101). For this reason, when the connector 171 at the rear of the module 13 and the backplane 101 are engaged, they are inserted into the twisted pair cable 215. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the backplane 101 also includes another pair of data cable connectors 157 for connecting data cables to the backplane 101. The data cable includes a twisted pair cable, and extends the data communication bus from the backplane 101 to the computer unit 3 and peripheral devices. For example, one data cable runs from one data cable connector 157 to the computer unit 3 and another data cable directly from the other data cable connector 157 to the foot control assembly 15 or the IV pole assembly 17 and the foot control assembly. 17 running through the instrumentation cart 21.
According to the RS485 protocol, the ends of the twisted pair cable 215 must be terminated with resistors such as 120 ohm resistors, respectively. However, the need for termination makes network expansion difficult. Advantageously, the present invention provides a termination circuit 229 shown in FIG. 16 that is located at one end of twisted pair cable 215 and selectively terminates the network with a 120 ohm resistor to facilitate network expansion. .
FIG. 16 shows a termination circuit 229 that selectively terminates the data communication bus. As shown, the data communication bus (ie, twisted pair cable 215) is indicated by the RS485-HI and RS485-LQ lines. Preferably, termination circuit 229 is part of extension connector 203 and is connected in series between the ends of first and second wires 217, 219 of first twisted pair cable 215. In one embodiment, termination circuit 229 includes a normally closed switch 231 connected in series with a 120 ohm resistor to terminate the data communication bus. In order to expand the network, the user connects the extension cable 233 having the second twisted pair cable 235 connected to the extension base 207 to the extension connector 203. Similar to the case where the first twisted pair cable 215 is used, the second twisted pair cable 235 also includes a first wire 237 and a second wire 239 provided for connection to the termination circuit 229. According to the present invention, the second twisted pair 235 is disposed on the backplane 209 and constitutes a data communication bus for the extension unit 207.
Termination circuit 229 also includes a coil 243 connected to a positive power source. When the user connects the extension cable 233 connected to the extension base 207 to the extension connector 203, the coil 243 is grounded. As a result, the positive voltage activates the coil 243, thereby opening the normally closed switch 231. As described above, when the ends of the first and second wires 217 and 219 of the first twisted pair cable 215 are connected to the ends of the first and second wires 237 and 239 of the second twisted pair cable 235, respectively. The switch 231 is opened and is not in the terminal state. Next, the other end of the extension frame 207 is terminated. In the preferred embodiment, either the extension cable 233 or the backplane 209 of the extension platform 207 includes a termination circuit 229.
FIG. 16 also shows lines with RESET-HI and RESET-LO. Preferably, the computer unit 3 is connected to the module 13 attached to the gantry unit 7 via the backplane 101 and the module 13 attached to the extension gantry unit 207 via the backplane 209 via the data communication bus. Communicate reset signal.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extension platform 207 includes a unique power supply module 211. As such, no power is distributed between the gantry 7 and the extension gantry 207. Alternatively, a power bus may be arranged on the backplanes 101 and 209 in order to distribute power from the power supply module 103 to each module 13 of the system 1 located on the gantry 7 or the extension gantry 207.
Hereinafter, referring to the block diagrams of FIGS. 17 to 18, the computer unit 3 includes a built-in central processing computer (CPU) 245, at least one disk drive 247, and a built-in hard drive 249. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central processing unit 245 of the computer unit 3 is an IBM compatible microprocessor-based board with an industry standard AT motherboard, including, for example, an Intel 486® or Pentium® processor. The disk drive 247 is a conventional 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB floppy drive, and the hard drive 249 is a conventional IDE 3.5 inch internal hard drive with at least 250 MB of memory. In another embodiment, the computer unit 3 includes a CD-ROM drive 251 in addition to the floppy drive 247. The computer unit 3 also includes a flat panel display 5, a touch screen 255 for use with the flat panel display 5, and various multimedia hardware accessories such as a video board or display driver 259, a sound board 261 and a speaker 262. . Advantageously, the various expansion boards of the computer unit 3 are each compatible with a standard PC architecture.
The computer unit 3 constitutes a user interface by which a user (such as a surgeon, medical technician or assistant) can perform a variety of microsurgical devices 19 and peripheral devices that provide different functions necessary to perform a surgical procedure. Receive information representing operating parameters. The user also provides information to the system 1 via a graphical user interface provided by the computer unit 3. Advantageously, the hard drive 249 of the computer unit 3 stores programmable operating parameters for each of the microsurgical device 19 and peripheral devices. By providing information to the central processing unit 245 via the user interface, the user can reprogram or select operating parameters stored on the hard drive 249. The computer unit 3 then communicates operating parameters to the module 13 and the foot assembly 15 and IV pole assembly 17 via the backplane 101 and external data cable and its network. In this way, the user can optimize the performance of the device 19 during the surgical procedure.
In one embodiment, the user stores data representing a plurality of operating parameters in a removable memory such as a floppy disk and makes it available to the disk drive 247 of the computer unit 3. In this embodiment, the central processing unit 245 of the computer unit 3 defines a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device 19 and peripheral devices based on the data stored in the removable memory. For example, the set of operating parameters defined by the central processor 245 includes a personalized set of operating parameters selected by the surgeon. Similarly, the hard drive 249 of the computer unit 3 stores default operating parameters that can be adapted to approximate a personalized set of parameters provided by the user.
As an example, the operating parameters are the following used to control various devices 19: linear variable scalpel operating speed, fixed scalpel operating speed, single actuated scalpel operating, proportional actuated female closing level, air / Fluid pressure, air / fluid flow rate, linear variable bipolar power level, fixed bipolar power level, illumination intensity level, suction pressure level, suction flow rate, linear variable vitrectomy speed, fixed vitrectomy speed, single actuated One or more of a vitrectomy blade, a lens ultrasonic emulsification power level, a lens ultrasonic fragmentation power level, a lens ultrasonic emulsification pulse repetition number, and a lens ultrasonic fragmentation pulse repetition number are defined.
Peripheral device control circuits 105, 107 also form nodes on the computer network and operate as a function of at least one operating parameter. In the above example, the operating parameters also define the following for the peripheral device: one or more of a plurality of foot control pitch detent levels and venous pole heights.
With further reference to FIGS. 17-18, the computer unit 3 also includes an infrared (IR) receiver circuit 267 for receiving IR signals from a handheld remote control device 39. The IR signal preferably represents a command for controlling the operation of the system 1. As an example, the remote control device 39 is a wireless infrared transmitter similar in size and appearance to a standard television or video cassette recorder remote. This unit provides a line for site operation and preferably utilizes a transmitter / receiver encoding scheme to minimize the risk due to interference from other infrared transmitters and / or receivers. In terms of function, the keypad of the remote control device 39 is used to change the suction level, bipolar coagulation power and ultrasonic power (for phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification), as well as changing the IV pole height and lighting. Preferably, a control button is included to switch the device on and off and change the light intensity level provided by the lighting device. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control device 39 also includes control buttons for transitioning to the next mode or returning to the previous mode in a predefined operating mode sequence.
Furthermore, the computer unit 3 includes a network board 271 designed exclusively for use in the microsurgical system 1. This application specific network board 271 includes a transceiver 223 and a neuron processor 225 for connecting the computer unit 3 to the network. Preferably, the network board 271 is used to interface the central processing unit 245 with the touch screen 255 and the IR receiver 267 and the surgical module 13, the foot control (foot control assembly) 15 and the IV pole assembly 17.
In a preferred embodiment, the central processing unit 245 of the computer unit 3 cooperates with each neuron processor 225 of the individual control circuit of the module 13, the foot control assembly 15 and / or the IV pole assembly 17, in a two layer software hierarchy. Run the software in The first layer of the software hierarchy is a user interface that provides an interface between the user (ie, the surgical team) and the microsurgical system 1 of the present invention. As used herein, the term “user interface” refers broadly to the computer unit 3 and is specifically executed by the computer unit 3 that generates a series of functional screen displays so that the user can interface with the system 1. Shows the routine.
The user interface displays the operating parameters and their settings and other states on the flat panel display 5. The user interface also receives input from the touch screen 255, foot control assembly 15 or IR remote control device 39 and sets up the operation of the system 1 to suit the surgeon's current surgical procedure. Preferably, the user interface is a Microsoft (R) Windows 95 based environment that provides a highly graphical and user friendly operating environment for generating icons, symbols, and the like. As a result, the user interface makes the system 1 easier to use and is particularly suitable for use with the touch screen 255.
The second layer of system software is a built-in control environment used by module 13, control circuit 105, and control circuit 107. As described above, each component of the system 1 forms part of a computer network such that the user interface communicates with the embedded software via a predetermined communication architecture such as the communication architecture Echelon LONTALK®. .
Distributed control of the system 1 is achieved by using software programs built in by the module 13 and peripheral devices. In other words, each module 13 and peripheral device operate independently of other modules 13 and peripheral devices while maintaining a link with the network. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in one component, the functions of other components in the system 1 are not affected. In addition to the built-in control software, each module 13 and peripheral device can incorporate built-in tests to identify and report specific faults to the computer unit 3 and thus to the user. During operation, a software watchdog timer (see, for example, watchdog timer 475 in FIG. 32) is used to continuously check the operational status of each module 13 and peripheral device.
According to the invention, the computer unit 3 is particularly suitable for use in a modular system such as the system 1. The hard drive 249 stores various programs for operating the system 1 including a program resident in the module 13. When an error occurs in a program resident in one of the modules 13 or an update is necessary, the user downloads an appropriate resident program from the hard drive 249 to the module 13 via the network, Reprogramming can be facilitated. The floppy drive 247 also allows a user to use a new module mainly composed of this product by installing an updated version of software or software for a specific purpose. Thus, the software of system 1 follows a modular approach comparable to the modular design of hardware. In addition, the user can use floppy drive 247 to save, read and transport user settings from system 1 to other similar microsurgical systems at other locations.
The computer unit 3 uses the sound board 261 and the speaker 263 to generate an audio signal for message warning, alarm transmission, or other audible instruction. In addition, the sound board 261 and the speaker 263 cooperate with the video board 259 and the CD-ROM drive 251 to display an audio / visual or multimedia display such as a video online service and instruction manual and operation demonstration in many different languages. provide.
The flat panel display 5 and the touch screen 255 are the main means of the interface between the system 1 and the user. In one embodiment, the flat panel display 5 is an active matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch screen 255 (diagonal 10.4 inches, VGA resolution, active matrix LCD, 256 colors). Preferably, the touch screen 255 is an analog resistive touch screen that is chemically resistant to common sterilizing liquids and is housed in a waterproof bezel.
Preferably, the computer unit 3 also includes another power supply 275. Alternatively, the power supply module 103 of the gantry 7 supplies power to the computer unit 3.
FIG. 19 shows a network board 271 for a specific use of the computer unit 3. As shown, the network board 271 includes an RS485 network connector circuit 277 and a network manager / controller circuit 279 and an RS485 termination circuit 281. Advantageously, the circuits 277, 279, 281 provide a network interface for the computer unit 3 to communicate via the data communication bus. The network board 271 further includes an ISA bus connector 283, an ISA bus transceiver 285, and an ISA bus interface circuit 287 such as an electronically programmable logic device (EPLD). Circuits 283, 285, and 287 serve as an interface between the network board 271 and the central processing unit 245.
In addition, the network board 271 provides circuit connections and interfaces for the touch screen 255, the flat panel display 5 and the IR remote control device 39. In this example, the network board 271 includes a touch screen controller / encoder 289 that is connected to the central processing unit 245 via a serial connector 291 and connected to the flat panel display 5 via a flex circuit connector 293. The flex circuit connector 293 connects the backlight luminance control device 295 and the flat panel display 5, and connects the IR receiver 267 and the IR remote decoder circuit 297. The network board 271 also includes a brightness control connector 299 that is used in the computer unit 3 with an encoder knob (not shown). As a result, the user controls the strength of the flat panel display 5. In this example, since the remote control device 39 also serves as a means for changing the display intensity, the input received by the brightness control connector is sent to the bus interface circuit 287 via the IR remote decoder 297. Next, the bus interface circuit 287 supplies a control signal necessary for changing the intensity of the flat panel display 5 to the luminance control device 295.
As shown in FIG. 19, the network board 271 further includes a watchdog timer and reset circuit 301 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 20, the termination circuit 281 is shown in schematic form. In addition to the termination circuit 229 connected to the extension connector 203 of the gantry 7, the network board 271 provides a termination circuit 281 for selectively terminating the end of the data communication bus on the computer unit side. In this example, termination circuit 281 includes a normally closed switch 303 connected in series with a resistor of about 120 ohms. To extend the network at this end (the end opposite the extension connector 203), the user connects an extension cable (not shown) from the peripheral device to the first jumper 305 or the second jumper 307. . The jumpers 303 and 305 are preferably a means for connecting another peripheral device to the network of the system 1. For example, the user can connect the foot control assembly 15 or some other peripheral device to the network via a connector (not shown) connected to jumpers 305, 307 rather than via a connector 157.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an extension cable from a peripheral device connected to the network shorts a pair of termination switch pins of jumpers 305, 307. In this example, the peripheral extension cable connected to the jumper 305 short-circuits the TERM switch 1A and the TERM switch 1B. Similarly, the peripheral extension cable connected to the jumper 307 short-circuits the TERM switch 2A and the TERM switch 2B. As shown in FIG. 20, termination circuit 281 also includes a coil 309 connected to a positive voltage source. In the preferred embodiment, coil 309 is grounded and energized when both TERM switches 1A and 1B and TERM switches 2A and 2B are shorted. When the coil 309 is excited, the normally closed switch 303 is opened and is not in the terminal state. Next, the end of the database on the peripheral device side is terminated.
FIG. 21 illustrates the data flow in the system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, each module 13 attached to the gantry 7 controls one or more microsurgical devices 19 to provide a plurality of different surgical functions. For example, device 19 provides intraocular pressure (IOP), scalpel, forceps control, ultrasound (eg, for phacoemulsification or phacoemulsification), perfusion, aspiration, vitrectomy, bipolar coagulation and / or illumination To do. In the system 1 setup example, the module 13 includes a venturi IAV module 321 and a scroll IAV module 323, both of which control the perfusion, aspiration and vitrectomy functions of the system 1. Venturi IAV module 321 is used with a venturi pump, while scroll IAV module 323 is used with a scroll pump. Further, the module 13 includes an ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325 for controlling the lens ultrasonic emulsification and the lens ultrasonic crushing function, and a female module 327 for controlling the knife operating function. Further, the female module 327 also controls the forceps function and includes an air fluid exchange control circuit for controlling the IOP function. As shown in FIG. 21, the module 13 further includes a coagulation module 329 that controls the bipolar coagulation function and an illumination module 331 that controls the illumination function.
The embodiment of the present invention also includes a foot control circuit 105 and an IV pole control circuit 107 as peripheral devices connected to the network of the system 1. Advantageously, a venturi IAV module 321, a scroll IAV module 323, an ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325, a female module 327, a coagulation module 329 and an illumination module 331 and a control circuit 105 for the foot control assembly 15 and the IV pole assembly 17, respectively. Each 107 constitutes a node on the network.
As described above, the user programs operating parameters, selects them from a set of default operating parameters, or inputs directly from the user interface to optimize surgical performance. As shown in the system setup example of FIG. 21, the computer unit 3 sequentially communicates operating parameters to the module 13 via line 335. Next, each of the active modules 13 supplies a control signal as at least one function of a user-operated operating parameter or a default operating parameter to control the device 19 or the microsurgical device connected thereto. Further, the computer unit 3 performs on / off control of the multiple devices 19 and the IV pole assembly 17 via the line 337 and receives feedback regarding the operation state via the line 339. The control circuit 105 of the foot control assembly 15 provides both linear control (eg, by a foot pedal) via line 341 and discrete control (eg, via a push button) via line 343 for the various modules 13. Further, using programmable function buttons, the foot control assembly 15 controls the system 1 based on instructions from the computer unit 3. It will be appreciated that the data communication bus of the present invention carries data communicated by lines 335, 337, 339, 341 and 343. Preferably, the data communication bus is a bidirectional serial bus that carries all kinds of signals. Thus, lines 335, 337, 339, 341, 343 represent the data flow in system 1, but do not represent the data communication bus.
Further, the network of the system 1 performs peer-to-peer communication with the node. For example, it may be desirable to disable the user interface while the foot control assembly 15 is engaged. In other words, while the surgeon is remotely controlling the device 19 using the foot control assembly 15, the user cannot change the operating parameters of the device 19. In this example, the foot control assembly 15 communicates directly with the user interface and other modules 13 via the network for peer-to-peer communication. Similarly, for safety reasons it may be desirable to prevent certain devices 19 from operating simultaneously. For example, the phacoemulsifier is disabled by the bipolar coagulator while the bipolar clotting device is used, and the bipolar coagulator is disabled while the phacoemulsifier is used. In contrast, the suction function is required during phacoemulsification or phacoemulsification. For this reason, information regarding both functions is communicated between the ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325 and the Venturi IAV module 321 or the scroll IAV module 323 via a network.
In the following, referring to an example of the operation of the user interface, the opening screen display at start-up allows the user to select various surgical functions available at either the front or back of the patient's eye or to program the system 1 Or a utility program for performing other setup functions can be selected. When the user selects the front part of the eyeball or the rear part of the eyeball, the computer unit 3 preferably displays a surgeon selection menu on the flat panel display 5. In accordance with the present invention, hard drive 249 stores a personalized set of initial operating parameters for each surgeon listed in the menu. In response to the user's selection, the computer unit 3 sets the surgical site to the front or back of the eye using an appropriate set of initial operating parameters according to the user's selection. If the particular surgeon is not listed in the menu, the computer unit 3 sets the surgical site to the front or back of the eye using default operating parameters. If necessary, the surgeon can later change this operating parameter from the default value.
In addition to the above example, when the user selects a utility option from the opening screen, the computer unit 3 displays a utility screen on the flat panel display 5. In this example, the computer unit 3 sets the operation mode to “none”. The utility program allows the user to change various system settings (e.g., changing previously saved initial operating parameters such as changing the surgeon selection menu or adding a new surgeon to the surgeon selection menu, Or add new initial operating parameters, access user help information, etc.).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user interface builds a dedicated portion of the touch screen 255 for different selections or information windows. For example, the main window is generated to display suction, phacoemulsification, phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, scalpel and linear coagulation functions. A secondary window is then made available to the user, displaying non-linear coagulation, IOP, illumination, IV pole and foot control configuration functions. Preferably, the user interface allows the user to select the current operating mode of the system 1, to use or deactivate a surgical procedure (eg, coagulation), to display online help, or to exit the system 1. A series of selection tabs (see FIG. 27) are also used. If desired, the user selection tab may have multiple options for one or more selections, or may be expanded to display these other options.
In operation, the user can customize different operating parameters using the surgical function interface of the user interface to suit the surgeon's specific preferences. The surgical function interface typically represents a variety of microsurgical system functions (eg, venturi decompression, scroll decompression, vitrectomy, ultrasound, coagulation, scalpel, lighting, etc.) that are active using multiple displays. In a preferred embodiment, the surgical interface displays current operational parameters numerically or graphically, displays operational set points, and / or displays various function on or off states. The central processing unit 245 of the computer unit 3 generates various control icons which are used to execute routines to adjust different operating parameters and / or switch functions on or off. For example, when performing a venturi decompression function, the interface provides a spin button that increments or decrements the current decompression operating parameter, ie, controls up and down. The interface also utilizes pushbutton control when commanding a number of functions. For example, when performing a suction function, a surgeon typically prepares a suction line before deflating the line for the first time. The preparation function is preferably displayed on the screen by a push button. In addition to spin button and push button control, the interface uses a progress bar to display current operating parameters for preset minimum and maximum values. For example, if the ultrasonic power level is 20% of the maximum power level during lens ultrasonic crushing, the progress bar covers 20% of the window with a display of 0% on the left end and 100% on the right end.
In the following, referring to FIG. 22, the central processing unit 245 preferably executes the computer function interface in response to the user touching a portion of the operating parameter value of the touch screen 255 corresponding to one numeric display. The computer function interface flattenes a numeric keypad, indicated generally at 347, as part of the touch screen 255, which is used to enter the desired value for the selected operating parameter, rather than incrementing or decrementing the value by spin button control. It is preferable to display on the panel display 5. As such, the user can quickly and easily change the numerical surgical settings without repeatedly or continuously pressing the up or down arrows on the spin button control.
As shown in FIG. 22, the interface displays a specific value entered in window 349 via keypad 347, along with an explanatory text indicating the operating parameter (eg, maximum decompression setting) to be changed. . The keypad 347 further includes a push button 351 for entering a default or programmed maximum value, a push button 353 for entering a default or programmed minimum value, and a push button 355 for incrementing or decrementing the value, respectively. 357. Preferably, the computer function interface is disabled when operating the foot control assembly 15 during active operation.
In addition to the surgical interface, the user interface is a programming function interface for indicating microsurgical system functions used in programming mode settings. In this embodiment, the user accesses the programming function interface through the utility menu described above. The programming interface displays the operation set point, changes the operation set point for a specific operation mode, changes the function from linear to fixed and vice versa, and turns the function on / off for a specific operation mode It becomes a means to do things such as switching.
In accordance with the present invention, system 1 is a mode-based surgical system. This mode is defined to be a surgical setup including the use of one or more surgical devices 19 having specified initial operating parameters. Each surgical device 19 that is active in a particular mode performs one or more surgical operations. The terms “mode” and “function” refer to, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,933,843, 5,157,603, 5,417,246, and 5,455,766. Although these terms may be used interchangeably in patents assigned to the same assignee, it should be understood that these terms are distinct herein. For example, one phacoemulsification mode is defined such that the suction device provides a decompression function and the phacoemulsification handpiece provides an ultrasonic or phacoemulsification function, these devices are Both have special initial operating parameters.
As described above, the flat panel display 5 of the computer unit 3 displays information to the user. In the preferred embodiment, the flat panel display 5 displays this information in the form of a variety of optional on-screen menus available to the user. The menu may be in the form of a list, a push button with characters, a tab selectable by the user, or the like. The user selects one or more of the options available from the on-screen menu by touching corresponding portions of the touch screen 255. One such display is a selectable mode menu. Preferably, the hard drive 249 of the computer unit 3 stores the operating parameters in the form of a set of setup files according to a predefined surgical operating mode. As described above, each mode represents one or more surgical procedures that are defined and performed by at least one operation of the microsurgical device 19. Each mode determines which devices 19 are used in a particular mode and determines the operating parameters associated with these devices. Advantageously, the user can change or define the mode via the user interface.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation in which the computer unit 3 provides the operation mode according to the present invention. Starting from step 361, the system 1 first identifies and initializes each module 13 attached to the gantry 7 when the power is turned on (power-up). When the user selects the first surgeon at step 363, the central processing unit 245 reads the specific setup file corresponding to the surgeon selected at step 365. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the read setup file includes a mode database having a number of mode records. Each of these records represents different modes and operating parameters for various surgical procedures performed by the system 1 operating in that mode. The setup file may include initial values for other operating parameters such as audio levels that are not part of the mode record or mode identification settings. Also, the read setup file includes a mode sequence database that defines a sequence in which a specific mode is provided. In step 367, the computer unit 3 compares the identification information with the read setup file, and the system 13 has the modules 13 necessary to perform the desired surgery specified by the mode record in the mode database. Make sure you do. If this module does not exist, in step 369 the computer unit 3 translates this operating parameter, ie generates a translated setup file by replacing this operating parameter with the operating parameter in the read setup file, This corresponds to the actual module 13 in the gantry 7. If the required module 13 is present in the system 1 or the computer unit 3 generates a translation setup file, in step 371 the computer unit 3 determines that the setup file is available.
Thus, the central processing unit 245 reads a set of operating parameters for the one or more microsurgical devices 19 used in the selected mode from the hard drive 249, and the surgical module 13 reads from the memory. The microsurgical device 19 connected to the own module is controlled as a function of the output operation parameter.
According to the invention, the mode interface defines the sequence in which this mode is activated. To simplify the mode sequence operation, the on-screen menu also includes an option to go to the next mode in the sequence defined by the mode sequence database or return to the previous mode in this sequence. This allows the surgeon to transition from mode to mode simply by touching one push button on the touch screen 255. Alternatively, the surgeon can transition from mode to mode by pressing a specific button on the foot control assembly or by pressing a specific button on the handheld remote control device 39. In response to a user instruction, the central processing unit 245 reads a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device 19 used in the selected mode from the hard drive 249 in that sequence, and then responds to the user instruction. To read another set of operating parameters from the hard drive 249 for the microsurgical device 19 used in the next or previous mode in a predefined sequence.
For example, if the mode database of a particular surgeon's setup file has records for some modes, the mode sequence database may define sequences for only some of these modes. In particular, the mode sequence database may define the sequence such that the first mode defined in the mode database is followed by the third mode, and then the ninth mode and then the seventh mode. . In other words, there is not necessarily a one-to-one correspondence between the mode records in the mode database and the modes listed in the mode sequence database.
FIG. 24 shows the mode ordering operation of the computer unit 3 in the form of a flowchart. Beginning at step 375, the user enters a mode sequence command via the user interface. As an example, the mode sequence command may be a command to advance to the next mode in the sequence, a command to return to the previous mode in the sequence, or a command to return to the last executed mode. In response to this command, in step 377, the computer unit 3 identifies the mode record corresponding to the mode in a predefined sequence from the mode database. Following step 377, the computer unit 3 proceeds to step 379 and instructs each module 13 and peripheral device of the system 1 to change the mode desired by the user. In step 379, the computer unit 3 executes a specific safety routine. For example, the surgeon can change from mode to mode only when the foot pedal of the foot control assembly 15 is inactive. When the perfusion function is performed and continuous perfusion is performed, the lens ultrasonic fragmentation, scalpel and other modes that can be selected even when the foot pedal of the foot assembly 15 is in an operating state are exceptions.
Still referring to FIG. 24, the computer unit also proceeds to step 379 after receiving a new mode selection command in step 381. Following step 379, the computer unit 3 reprograms the operating parameters of the microsurgical device 19 used in the selected operating mode in step 383. In step 385, the computer unit 3 enables (enables) or disables (displays) the various display components so that the display on the flat panel display 5 corresponds to the surgical procedure available in the selected mode. Able). Following step 385, computer unit 3 enables in step 387 each module 13 or peripheral device used in the selected mode of operation.
As an example, Table I below lists examples of modes and operating parameters associated with the device 19 used in each mode. In other words, Table I is a list of mode records for an example mode database.

In addition to the example in Table I, the surgeon can define a mode sequence database via a user interface that includes only some of the nine modes. For example, the mode sequence database defines a sequence starting with mode 1 (open), followed by mode 3 (emulsification-medium), then mode 9 (dual), and finally ending with mode 7 (wash II). To do.
As described above with reference to FIG. 23, the computer unit 3 compares the system identification information generated when the power is turned on in the form of a hardware database with the read setup file. In this way, the computer unit 3 can confirm that the module 13 necessary for performing the desired surgery of the above mode in the mode database is present in the system 1. If this module does not exist, the computer unit 3 translates this operating parameter, ie, generates a translated setup file by replacing this operating parameter with the operating parameter in the read setup file, which is the base unit This corresponds to the actual module 13 in FIG. FIGS. 25 and 26 show the preferred means for adapting the setup file according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 25, the computer unit 3 first checks each mode record in the mode database in step 391. When the system 1 described later is initialized, the computer unit 3 reads a set of communication parameters corresponding to hardware on the network (that is, different modules 13 and control circuits 105 and 107). As described above, each neuron processor 225 of various nodes on the network executes a built-in program to control different microsurgical devices 19 and peripheral devices. The communication parameters are for each processor 225, including information related to the type of device being controlled (eg, vitrectomy handpiece or ultrasound device) and the version of the module 13 or peripheral device where the processor 225 is located. Represents a unique unique identification level. The identification level also includes a specific identifier (for example, a serial number) unique to the specific module 13 or the control circuits 105 and 107. As an example, the version of a specific module 13 can be changed during a hardware or software update. In accordance with the present invention, each mode record in the mode database indicates a different operating mode and operating parameters for the various surgical procedures provided by the system 1 operating in that mode. As such, the operating parameters correspond to a particular node on the network, both in function and version.
In step 393, the computer unit 3 determines whether the system 1 has the necessary hardware type for each device or peripheral device used in the operation mode defined by the mode record. If present, in step 395, the computer unit 3 determines whether the version information of each module 13 and the control circuits 105 and 107 of the peripheral devices matches the version information specified by the mode record. If the version information is correct, computer unit 3 returns to step 391 and examines the next mode record in the mode database. On the other hand, if the version information is not correct, the computer unit 3 determines in step 397 whether the version information about the attached hardware is compatible with the version information specified by the mode record. If so, the computer unit proceeds to step 399 and replaces the operating parameters specified in the mode record with the operating parameters associated with the actual hardware of the system 1. If the versions do not match, the computer unit 3 rejects the specific mode at step 401. After either step 399 or step 401, computer unit 3 returns to step 391 to examine the next mode record in the mode database.
In step 393, the computer unit 3 determines whether hardware for each device or peripheral device used in the operation mode defined by the mode record exists in the system 1. If not, the computer unit 3 proceeds to step 403 shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step 403, the computer unit 3 determines whether the missing hardware is necessary for the operation of the system 1 in a specific mode. If the missing hardware is not required, the computer unit 3 deletes the reference from the mode record for the missing hardware in step 405, and then returns to step 391 in FIG. 25 to proceed to the next mode record. . On the other hand, if the missing hardware is needed, the computer unit 3 determines in step 407 whether alternative hardware is available. If no alternative hardware is available, the computer unit 3 deletes the mode record from the mode database in step 409 and then returns to step 391 to proceed to the next mode record. If alternative hardware is available, computer unit 3 proceeds to step 411. In step 411, the computer unit 3 translates the operating parameters in the mode record to correspond to the alternative hardware. As an example, a particular setup of system 1 may include a Venturi IAV module 321 but not a scroll IAV module 323. In this example, if the mode record specifies an operation mode that provides a flow suction function, this is not available in the Venturi IAV module 321, so the computer unit 3 will apply a vacuum operation parameter close to the flow suction response to the flow suction. Replace with operating parameters.
Following step 411, the computer unit 3 returns to step 391. After adapting the mode record of the setup file, the computer unit 3 checks the mode sequence database of the read setup file. If the mode sequence mode is no longer available (ie, deleted in step 409), the computer unit 3 also deletes this mode from the mode sequence database. In this way, the computer unit 3 adapts the read setup file for use in a specific configuration of the system 1. In other words, the computer unit 3 generates a translation setup file.
The mode record shown in Table I above defines specific modes for various procedures performed by the surgeon. For example, when performing a procedure to open the patient's eye, the surgeon selects the “open” mode. It is also conceivable to define the operating mode of the system 1 for different surgical operations during the performance of these procedures. Tables II and III below list examples of modes in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye for different surgical procedures.

Tables IV-IX below list examples of initial operating parameters for the various modes shown in Tables II and III.

The following foot control operating parameters apply to each perfusion / aspiration mode.
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
Perfusion control with 1-100% pitch pedal movement
Yaw on the left
No yaw on the right
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each perfusion / aspiration mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 60cm (40cm in capsule polish mode, 50cm in viscoelastic removal mode)
IOP 40mmHg
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.

The following foot control operating parameters apply to each lens ultrasonic emulsification mode.
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
Perfusion control with 1-100% pitch pedal movement
Yaw on the left
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each phacoemulsification mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 75cm (80cm in mode 2 and mode 4)
IOP 40mmHg
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.

The following operating parameters apply to each lens sonication mode.
Ultrasonic power linear
Minimum ultrasonic power level 0%
Maximum ultrasonic power level 25%
The following foot control operating parameters apply to each lens sonication mode.
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
Yaw on the left
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each lens ultrasonic fragmentation mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 75cm
IOP 30mmHg
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.

The following foot control operating parameters apply to each vitrectomy (front side) mode.
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
Perfusion control with 1-100% pitch pedal movement
Yaw on the left
It is.
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each vitrectomy mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 40cm
IOP 40mmHg
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.

The following foot control operating parameters apply to each vitrectomy (back side).
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
Yaw on the left
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each vitrectomy (rear) mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 75cm (40cm for single operation)
IOP 30mmHg (40mmHg for single operation)
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.

The following foot control operating parameters apply to each female mode.
Coagulation switch Coagulation on / off control
Programmable function switch No function
No yaw on the left
No yaw on the right
The operating parameters for the following functions (disabled in the initial state of each female mode) are:
Coagulation power 12%
IV pole height 75cm
IOP 30mmHg
Lamp 1 off
Lamp 2 off
It is.
In view of the function-based modes shown in Tables II through IX, the normal user can select the various pre-defined modes described above from the top-level user selection tab 415 shown in FIG. Select one of these. Preferably, tab 415 is located at the bottom of touch screen 255. Only one mode may be active at a time, and the current operation mode may be automatically deselected by the computer unit 3 when the user selects one of the user selection tabs. In one example of mode selection, the user touches the ultrasonic emulsification suction mode tab 417 for available phacoemulsification modes. Referring to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 below, the flat panel display 5 displays the first four modes (i.e., open, sac removal, open) at the initial point when the user touches the user selection tab 417 in the ultrasonic emulsification suction mode. (Dual) and sac removal (dual)) only. In response to the user touching a tab 419 containing an arrow symbol, the computer unit 3 generates another menu of available ultrasonic emulsification suction modes (ie, fixed vacuum, linear vacuum, fixed flow and linear flow). Display on the flat panel display 5. For example, the user touches the tab 421 and selects the linear decompression ultrasonic emulsification suction mode from the menu. FIG. 30 shows an example of the screen display in the linear decompression ultrasonic emulsification suction mode. As shown, decompression, ultrasound (ie, phacoemulsification) and coagulation functions are available and active in this mode.
As described above, in order to operate in accordance with the various operation modes of the microsurgical system, the computer unit 3 is first connected to each node on the network (ie, the module 13 attached to the gantry 7, the foot control assembly 15 and the IV respectively. The control circuits 105, 107) for the pole assembly 17 are identified and initialized. In the preferred embodiment, the central processing unit 245 of the computer unit 3 executes software comprising a system engine with three operational components: power-on initialization, network management and network communication. The system engine initialization component creates and initiates a network. The network management component provides network coupling / non-coupling variables for the module 13 on the network to implement the mode selected by the user, monitors the functionality of the module 13 and processes messages sent from the network. The network communication component processes configuration files and mode changes and notifies the user interface of display changes and the occurrence of errors.
FIG. 31 shows the operation of the computer unit 3 executing the initialization component of the system engine when the system 1 is powered on. Typically, the system engine identifies each node on the network and generates a programming object for each node's neuron processor 225 that includes local network variables. The user interface accesses the node through this variable. Beginning at step 427, the system engine initializes the network database stored on the hard drive 249 of the computer unit 3. As described above, each neuron processor 225 of various nodes on the network executes a built-in program for controlling different microsurgical devices 19 and peripheral devices. The communication parameters are specific to each processor 225 including information regarding the type of device to be controlled (eg, vitrectomy handpiece or ultrasound device) and information regarding the version of the module 13 or peripheral device where the processor 225 is located. Represents the identification label. The identification label also includes a specific identifier (for example, a serial number) unique to the specific module 13 or the control circuits 105 and 107. As an example, the version of a particular module 13 can be changed during a hardware or software update. The network database includes pre-installed nodes in the form of specific module 13 or control circuit 105, 107 identifiers, node names corresponding to different types of devices and names of different programs corresponding to these nodes. In other words, the network database may contain information about the system having each of the different types of modules 13 and peripheral devices already available in the network.
In step 429, the system engine reads a set of communication parameters corresponding to the hardware actually present on the network (ie, different modules 13 and control circuits 105, 107), generates a node object in the software, and identifies it. Access to the module 13 or peripheral device. Proceeding to step 431, the system engine starts with the first module 13 or peripheral device control circuit 105, 107 that has already incorporated the node in the network database. At step 433, the system engine creates a device object to create the above node. To express. Preferably, the system engine drives the device object from a node object that can access the hardware. If the system engine determines in step 435 that the other module 13 or peripheral device control circuits 105 and 107 have already been incorporated into the network database node, the process returns to step 431 to return to the next module 13 or peripheral device control circuit 105 or 107. Proceed to In this way, the system engine generates device objects for hardware that has already been captured in the network database. The device object generated by the system engine contains local network variables, and the user interface thereby accesses the node.
After creating the device object and indicating the nodes already captured in the network database, the system engine proceeds to step 437 compared to the previously captured nodes to control the module 13 or peripheral device present on the network. The circuits 105 and 107 are examined. Proceeding to step 439, the system engine determines whether there is a node taken into the network database (which does not already exist on the network) corresponding to the module 13 or peripheral device control circuits 105 and 107 of the same type to be examined. Judge whether or not. If present, the system engine replaces the node's previously captured communication parameters at step 441 with the communication parameters for the particular module 13 or peripheral device control circuit 105,107. While performing the replacement operation, all network variable combinations are communicated to the new node. Furthermore, there is no need to change the network database as well as other nodes involved in the network variable binding. On the other hand, if the node corresponding to the module 13 or the peripheral device control circuits 105 and 107 of the same type to be examined is not taken into the network database, the system engine proceeds to step 443. In step 443, the system engine captures a new node using the communication parameters for the new module 13 or peripheral device control circuits 105, 107, and generates a device object to indicate this new node. After step 441 or 443, the system engine proceeds to step 445 to determine whether there is another module 13 or peripheral device control circuit 105, 107 that does not have a node captured in the network database on the network. . If so, the system engine returns to step 437. Otherwise, the system engine proceeds to step 447.
In step 447, the system engine removes all remaining nodes that were captured in the network database but for which no hardware is present on the network. Proceeding to step 449, if two or more modules 13 or peripheral device control circuits 105, 107 of the same type are present on the network, the system engine activates the first device object for each type. In other words, the system engine gives priority to one of a plurality or duplicate modules 13 or peripheral device control circuits 105 and 107.
For this reason, if a new module 13 has been added to the configuration since the previous power-on sequence, it is a different type of module 13, whether it is the same type of module 13 or not. Regardless, the system 1 automatically detects and initializes a new module 13 and reconfigures both the communication parameters and the user interface. In this way, the user has access to this new module 13 and can control all the surgical devices 19 connected to it. Similarly, if a particular module 13 is removed from the network after the previous power-up sequence, the system 1 automatically detects that the module 13 is missing and removes all associated communication parameters and user interface functions. Furthermore, the computer unit 3 allows two or more identical types of modules 13 to be incorporated into the system 1 when performing automatic network reconfiguration. The computer unit 3 determines the highest priority for identification and the second highest priority for identification as necessary, and performs control via the user interface. The computer unit 3 also determines the rejected system configuration and instructs the user to take appropriate action via the user interface.
Thus, the computer unit 3 configures the neuron processor 225 to generate the necessary local network variables to be used by the user interface, thereby initializing the system 1 at power-up and accessing the network. Make sure that all constant network connections are made to meet the minimum operating requirements. The computer unit 3 also communicates to the user interface any changes made in the configuration from the last configuration, including the addition / deletion of modules 13 or peripheral devices to the system 1. After power-on initialization, control of the system 1 moves to the user interface. In another embodiment, the computer unit 3 further identifies the position of a specific module 13 in the gantry 7 when the power is turned on.
Hereinafter, referring to the components schematically shown in the system configuration example of FIG. 21, each module 13 attached to the gantry 7 controls one or more microsurgical devices 19 to perform a plurality of different surgical functions. provide. For example, the module 13 includes a venturi IAV module 321, a scroll IAV module 323, an ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325, a female module 327, a coagulation module 329, and an illumination module 331 (an illumination module in view of FIGS. 4A to 4D). 13A). The system 1 also includes a foot control assembly 15 and an IV pole assembly 17 as peripheral devices connected to the system 1 network.
FIG. 32 shows the Venturi IAV module 321 in block diagram form (details are shown in FIGS. 43-60). As shown in FIG. 32, the module 321 includes a neuron circuit 455 connected to the network via the network connector 171 at the rear of the module 321 connected to the backplane 101. The neuron circuit 455 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving and transmitting data via the data communication bus. A neuron processor 225 coupled to the transceiver 223 performs network communication control of the module 321. The neuron processor 225 also executes a built-in application program for controlling the perfusion, aspiration and vitrectomy functions of the system 1. In this example, the neuron circuit 455 includes a memory 457 (eg, flash EEPROM) for storing an application program for the IAV module 321. Furthermore, the memory 457 stores configuration and identification data used for initializing the module 321 on the network. Advantageously, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 457 via the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. Neuron circuit 455 also includes a clock circuit 459 (eg, a crystal oscillator) that provides a time base for neuron 225 to operate. The Venturi IAV module 321 further includes a status LED 461, such as a green LED on the front panel surface of the module 321, indicating that the module is active, and a power conditioning circuit 463 that generates -5 volt power for use in the circuit. Including. Although not shown in FIG. 32, the neuron circuit 455 also includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
Typically, the neuron processor 225 and coprocessor can be used together if higher processing power than that obtained by the processor 225 is required. In this case, the particular module 13 has a coprocessor that receives and responds to the control signal generated by the neuron processor 225 and generates another control signal, and provides closed loop control during the surgical procedure. To do. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IAV module 321 includes a coprocessor circuit 465 that cooperates with a programmable logic circuit, such as an electronically programmable logic device (EPLD) 467. Coprocessor circuit 465 includes a coprocessor 469 (eg, an Intel 386EX processor) and associated memory 471 (eg, flash EEPROM and static RAM) and a clock circuit 473 (eg, a crystal) for providing clock signals used by coprocessor circuit 465. An oscillator) and a watchdog timer 475.
With further reference to FIG. 32, the coprocessor 469 of the coprocessor circuit 465 generates a suction control signal as a function of the suction level operating parameter and supplies it to a digital to analog (D / A) converter 483. In the illustrated embodiment, the D / A converter 483 provides a parallel interface, and the coprocessor 469 controls the air flow through the module's venturi pump with the interface described above. The suction drive 485 receives the analog input of the D / A converter 483 and drives the suction servo valve 487 in response thereto. The suction servo valve 487 governs the air flow through the venturi and thus governs the decompression level. Venturi IAV module 321 preferably supports the operation of a single suction port driven from a venturi pump located within the module. Venturi pumps require a gas / air input external to the gauge with a pressure of, for example, 80-100 pounds per square inch. Module 321 further includes a pressure relief valve (not shown) to prevent overpressure conditions. Advantageously, the control circuit of module 321 can control the suction vacuum level with both fixed and linear controls. For example, the suction pressure reduction level can be in the range of 0 mmHg to 550 mmHg and can be changed by 1 mmHg. The user sets all suction parameters via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and controls the suction function via the foot control assembly 15.
The perfusion portion of the Venturi IAV module 321 supports perfusion with gravity supply. For example, the IV pole assembly 17 supports a bag of sterile saline solution that the surgeon uses to perfuse the patient's eye during surgery. Module 321 includes a set of solenoid valves 493, one of which is a pinch valve 495 that prevents any fluid from entering system 1 when closed. With either the touch screen 255 or the foot control assembly 15, the user has a fixed on / off (open / closed) control of the perfusion function of the Venturi IAV module 321. The neuron processor 225 works with the coprocessor 469 and the control register 496 of the EPLD 467 to generate drive signals for sending commands to a set of solenoid drivers 497. As a result, the solenoid driver 497 opens and closes the solenoid valve 493 by a desired amount.
Preferably, the IAV module 321 includes a set of pneumatic transducers 501 that provide feedback regarding actual aspiration or perfusion pressure. For example, the suction transducer 503 detects the suction pressure level and the line pressure transducer 505 detects the perfusion pressure level. An instrumentation amplifier circuit 507 connected to the line pressure transducer 505 amplifies the pressure signal before processing. Preferably, the suction transducer includes an internal amplifier. An analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 511 receives the amplified pressure signal and converts the analog pressure signal to a digital value for processing by the coprocessor circuit 465. In this way, the IAV module 321 performs closed loop control of the suction and perfusion functions.
A microsurgical ophthalmic system is generally a vacuum operated suction system having a removable fluid collection cassette as shown and described in US Pat. No. 4,773,897 owned by the same assignee as the present application. Is used. By connecting a suction device under reduced or negative pressure to the cassette, the suction fluid is drawn into the cassette. A surgeon performing a microsurgical ophthalmic procedure controls the suction system using, for example, a foot control assembly 15. This allows the surgeon to actuate a wedge-type solenoid plunger, such as that indicated by reference numeral 182 in the above-mentioned patent, or a suction servo valve 487 as shown in FIG. Can be blocked or opened.
The solenoid 493 of the module 321 also includes a cassette capture valve 515 and a cassette pinch valve 517. The plunger (not shown) of the cassette capture valve 515 secures the cassette in the correct position within the module 321. The cassette pinch valve 517 closes the suction line when the suction function is not active and prevents back flow of fluid from the cassette or suction line to the patient's eye.
Further, one of the solenoids 493 in the Venturi IAV module 321 is a reflux solenoid valve 519 for driving a reflux plunger, such as that shown at 184 in the aforementioned patent. In operation, the reflux plunger squeezes the reflux chamber connected to the cassette, expelling a small amount of fluid in the suction tube out of the passageway, allowing the tube to remain open and unblocked. Various amounts of reflux are required depending on the treatment to be performed, for example, when a front or rear treatment is performed. It is important to use a cassette with a much lower reflux rate than the cassette used for the front treatment as the cassette used for the rear treatment. An advantageous feature of the system 1 is that it automatically detects and distinguishes the rear or micro reflux cassette from the front cassette. This feature prevents the user from inadvertently attaching and using the wrong reflux cassette for a particular procedure.
In accordance with the present invention, when a cassette designed to be used during an anterior procedure is inserted into an IAV module 321 used for an posterior procedure, the user interface can make this error visible and / or audible. The system 1 is prevented from being operated with the wrong cassette attached.
Each cassette is given a specific color to identify the cassette corresponding to the treatment used. Preferably, the coloring means attached to each cassette is a coupler member or insert, such as that shown at 150 in the aforementioned patent. This is typically I-shaped and is frictionally fitted into the relief formed in the cassette as shown at 130 in the above-mentioned patent. For example, the detachable coloring means as described above, one of which is yellow and the other is blue, can be easily attached to and detached from the same cassette without this means. The cassette is inserted into the module 321 and the coloring means is positioned adjacent to the cassette presence sensor 525 that generates a signal indicating the presence of the cassette. Preferably, the cassette presence sensor 525 is a Tri-Tronics Co., for example, Tampa, Florida. , Inc. Is realized by a photoelectric color sensor such as an infrared light source of a photoelectric circuit such as that sold under the model number F4. Since yellow reflects infrared light and blue absorbs it, a distinction is made between a cassette for one specific procedure and another cassette for a different procedure. For this reason, the cassette presence sensor detects the presence of the cassette as a color function of the coloring means. FIG. 61 shows a preferred circuit for receiving the signal generated by the cassette presence sensor 525 and communicating with the computer unit 3. If the color of the cassette does not correspond to the particular procedure selected by the surgeon, an audible and / or visual signal will indicate to the user via the user interface. The computer unit 3 also responds to this information to prevent any ophthalmic procedure from being performed until the user installs the correct cassette. In the embodiment of FIG. 32, the cassette presence sensor 525 first supplies a signal to the status register 527 of the EPLD 467 and supplies a signal to the computer unit 3 to notify the user that the cassette is incorrect. Next, the EPLD 467 and the coprocessor circuit 465 supply this signal to the neuron circuit 455 and perform a return communication with the computer unit 3.
In addition to feedback on specific aspiration and perfusion levels, the module 321 generates an almost full and full signal to notify the user that the cassette should be replaced via the user interface. 529 is also included.
The priming function available to the user via the user interface allows the user to prime the surgical handpiece by utilizing the opening and closing the perfusion pinch valve 495 to remove air from the suction line. With this function, the user can also pick out the suction collection cassette by selecting the removal option.
As described above, the Venturi IAV module 321 also supports the vitrectomy function of the system 1. In the preferred embodiment, the Venturi IAV module 321 includes a vitrectomy port to which a vitrectomy cutter is connected. Preferably, module 321 controls the vitrectomy cutter so that three types of cutting movements are available: linear cutting speed, fixed cutting speed and single cutting. Preferably, the linear cutting speed can be in the range of 30-750 cuts / minute and can be increased by 1 cut / minute. The user sets the cutting speed via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and controls the cutting speed by the foot control assembly 15. Also, the user can program the fixed cutting speed and increase it by 1 cut / min at 30-750 cuts / min per minute. In this example, the user sets the fixed operating speed via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and changes the fixed operating speed via the foot control assembly 15. A single blade is used with a fixed on / off control. When single cutting is enabled (on), the vitrectomy cutter closes / opens once per operation. The user selects a single operation through the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and performs the operation through the foot control assembly 15. The vitrectomy cutter attached to the Venturi IAV module 321 is driven from an external air / gas input that is also used to drive the Venturi pump.
As shown in FIG. 32, the EPLD 467 preferably includes a vitrectomy timer 533 for performing the timing function necessary to set the cutting speed of the vitrectomy cutter. The solenoid driver 497 drives the vitrectomy solenoid 535 as a function of the timing signal from the vitrectomy timer 533, and controls the vitrectomy operation.
Preferably, the system 1 includes a scroll IAV module 323 in addition to or instead of the IAV module 321. Similar to the Venturi IAV module 321, the scroll IAV module 323 uses a scroll pump (not shown) rather than a venturi pump to provide perfusion and suction functions. According to the present invention, the scroll pump of the scroll IAV module 323 can function as a venturi suction system (ie, pressure reduction control) or a scroll suction system (ie, flow control).
In this example, module 323 operates in conjunction with a disposable scroll cassette that includes a scroll pump, a pinch valve opening that controls perfusion, aspiration, ventilation and calibration, a transducer diaphragm, and a collection reservoir. The scroll cassette includes a perfusion line, a suction line, and a collection reservoir at the front of the cassette housing. The user attaches the scroll cassette to the retractable drawer located at the front of the module 323. Once installed, the scroll cassette is engaged and disengaged via the touch screen 255 to the control system and drive of module 323. In other words, the scroll IAV module 323 pulls or engages the cassette or extends or disengages the cassette upon receiving a command via input to the touch screen 255.
The suction portion of the scroll IAV module 323 drives one suction port that provides either suction vacuum or flow control. Preferably, the reduced pressure level is increased by 1 mmHg in the range of 0 mmHg to 550 mmHg by the reduced pressure suction function, and the flow rate is increased by 1 cc / minute in the range of 1 cc / min to 60 cc / min by the flow suction function. The user sets the suction operation parameter via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and changes this through the foot control assembly 15.
The perfusion portion of the scroll IAV module 323 also supports perfusion supplied by gravity, similar to the Venturi IAV module 321. However, in contrast to the Venturi IAV module 321, the module 323 does not include the pinch valve 495. Instead of the pinch valve, the scroll IAV module 323 performs perfusion control through a combination of a solenoid plunger in the module 323 and a disposable scroll cassette. As with the module 321, the user performs a fixed on / off (open / close) control of the perfusion function of the scroll IAV module 323 on the touch screen 255 or foot control assembly 15.
Similar to the Venturi IAV module 321, the scroll IAV module 323 also supports the vitrectomy function of the system 1. However, the air pump located in the module 323 drives a vitrectomy cutter attached to the scroll IAV module 323 rather than an external air / gas input to the venturi IAV module 321.
FIGS. 147 and 148 illustrate in schematic form a preferred pressure sensing circuit for use with the scroll IAV module 323.
Returning to FIG. 33, the lens ultrasonic emulsification and lens ultrasonic fragmentation module (ultrasonic emulsification) 325 (shown in detail in FIGS. 26A to 26T) includes a lens ultrasonic emulsification and / or lens ultrasonic fragmentation handpiece 539. This is a built-in module that supplies ultrasonic emulsification suction power of, for example, a maximum of 35 watts to a connected ultrasonic emulsification suction output port 537 at a frequency of 29 ± 2 kHz and 5000 ohms. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325 supports both linear and pulsed operation. The linear ultrasonic emulsification and suction function provides continuous ultrasonic emulsification and suction power that can be programmed by the user in a range of 0% to 100% by increments of 1%. The surgeon operates the linear ultrasonic emulsification suction output at the programmed minimum ultrasonic emulsification suction power level by pressing the center foot pedal of the foot control assembly 15, and then programs this as a function of linear foot pedal movement at the maximum power level programmed. Increase to. In this example, the linear ultrasonic emulsification suction power rises from zero at a fixed linear speed. Preferably, the user sets the output level via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and controls the linear ultrasonic emulsification suction function via the foot control assembly 15. In contrast to linear operation, the pulsed ultrasonic emulsification function provides ultrasonic emulsification power for a programmed, limited time (eg, periodically). Module 325 allows the user to perform fixed on / off power control. This control can be set by the user in increments of 1% and a maximum of 1% to 100%. The user can then program the pulse output control to increment 1 pulse per second to obtain 1-20 pulses per second. The user sets the output power level and pulse repetition rate via the touch screen 255 and controls this via the foot control assembly 15.
In the preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic emulsification and suction module 325 has a neuron circuit 541 connected to the network via the network connector 171 at the rear of the module 325 connected to the backplane 101. Neuron circuit 541 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving and transmitting data via a data communication bus. A neuron processor 225 coupled to the transceiver 223 performs network communication control of the module 325. The neuron processor 225 also executes a built-in application program stored in a memory 543 (for example, a flash EEPROM) for controlling the lens ultrasonic emulsification and lens ultrasonic fragmentation functions of the system 1. The memory 543 also stores configuration and identification data for initializing the module 325 on the network. Advantageously, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 543 via the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. Neuron circuit 541 also includes a clock circuit 545 (eg, a crystal oscillator) that provides a time base for neuron 225 to operate. Similar to the IAV module 321, the ultrasonic emulsification and suction module 325 includes a power adjustment or reference voltage circuit 546 for generating ± 5 volts and 4 volts of power used in the circuit. Although not shown in FIG. 33, neuron circuit 541 includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from computer unit 3 and a status LED indicating that module 325 is active.
As shown in FIG. 33, the ultrasonic emulsification and suction module 325 includes a coprocessor circuit 547 that cooperates with the EPLD 549. The coprocessor circuit 547 preferably includes a coprocessor 551 (eg, Intel 386EX processor) and associated memory 553 (eg, flash EEPROM and static RAM), a clock circuit 555 (eg, crystal oscillator), and a watchdog 557. The EPLD 549 has a pulse timer 559 for supplying a clock signal used for a frequency generator 561 (eg, a sine wave generator). Coprocessor 551 of coprocessor circuit 545 provides a control signal to frequency generator 561 in cooperation with EPLD 547 to generate a programmable frequency for pulsed ultrasonic emulsification suction output. The ultrasonic emulsification suction drive circuit 563 drives the ultrasonic emulsification suction output 537 using the programmable frequency generated by the frequency generator 561. Advantageously, the ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325 is a boost regulator for maintaining the rail voltage supplied to the ultrasonic emulsification suction drive 563 at 3 volts, for example, higher than the ultrasonic emulsification suction voltage level specified by the command. 565. This prevents excessive power dissipation from occurring in the ultrasonic emulsification suction drive 563. The ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325 also includes a monitor circuit 567 for monitoring not only the boost voltage but also the phase of the ultrasonic emulsification suction power. In order to obtain an optimal ultrasonic emulsification and suction function, it is desirable that the current and voltage phases be maintained on the resonance frequency of the handpiece 539 even when the load changes. The monitor circuit 567 also provides an overcurrent detector for preventing an overcurrent condition in the ultrasonic emulsification suction module 325.
In accordance with the present invention, the ultrasonic emulsification and suction module 325 also includes a probe presence circuit 571 for detecting the presence of the handpiece 539 connected to the ultrasonic emulsification and suction output 537. Coprocessor circuit 547 and EPLD 549 combine the output of the probe presence circuit with the shutdown signal generated by monitor circuit 567 to drive relay controller 575. This causes the relay controller 575 to disable the ultrasonic emulsification suction drive 563 when in an undesirable operating state.
In view of FIG. 34, the scalpel module 327 (shown in detail in FIGS. 89-103) preferably provides the system 1 with not only a scalpel function but also an air fluid exchange and forceps function. In a preferred embodiment, module 327 supports an electrically driven port 579 that is controlled by module 327 in view of the user selected operating mode and operating parameters of the scalpel / forceps handpiece connected to port 579. .
The scalpel module 327 preferably provides scalpel / forceps functions including linear operating speed, fixed operating speed, single operation and proportional operation. For example, the user can program the female module 327 to obtain a linear cutting speed that increments by 1 cut / min through the touch screen 255 or foot control assembly 15 to perform 30-300 cuts / min. In this example, the surgeon controls the actual cutter speed via the foot control assembly 15. The user can program the module 327 to perform on / off control with the foot control assembly 15 via the touch screen 255 or the foot control assembly 15 and increment it by 1 cut / min to perform 30 to 300 cuts / min. You can get speed. As with other operating parameters, the user can also program module 327 to obtain a single surgical or individual dual scalpel / forceps cycle. It is preferred that the surgeon actuate a single operation through the foot control assembly 15. The proportional actuation function closes the knife handpiece by a certain ratio. For example, the user can program the female module 327 to obtain a proportional operation that closes by 25% and closes from 0% to 100%, with the user performing linear control with the touch screen 255 and foot control assembly 15.
As with the other modules 13, the female module 327 includes a neuron circuit 583 connected to the network via the network connector 171 at the rear of the module 327 connected to the backplane 101. Neuron circuit 583 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving and transmitting data via a data communication bus coupled to neuron processor 225. In addition to network communication control, the neuron processor 225 also executes a built-in application program stored in a memory 585 (eg, flash EEPROM) for controlling the female / forceps and air / fluid exchange functions of the system 1. The memory 585 also stores configuration and identification data for initializing the module 327 on the network. Advantageously, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 585 over the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. Neuron circuit 583 also includes a watchdog timer circuit 587 and a clock circuit 589. Although not shown in FIG. 34, the neuron circuit 585 includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
As with some of the other modules 13, the female module 327 is used in conjunction with the neuron processor 225 of the neuron circuit 585 and includes an EPLD 595 that controls the female / forceps handpiece as a function of user-entered operating parameters. . In particular, the EPLD 595 is a drive selector for selecting either the solenoid drive 597 or the DC motor drive 599 to drive the handpiece port 579. Thus, the female module 327 can drive two types of female devices.
As shown in FIG. 34, the female module 327 also includes an air control device 605 for providing an air fluid exchange function. For example, the air control device drives three solenoid valves to control IOP pressurization, release and retention. Preferably, the air fluid exchange portion of module 327 supports one air port (not shown) driven by an air pump that is part of air control device 605. As an example, this pump supports air pressure up to 100 mmHg, incrementing by 1 mmHg, with a flow rate up to 5 cubic feet per hour. The user controls the air fluid exchange port via the touch screen 255 or the foot control assembly 15. FIG. 34 also shows an IOP detector 607 (eg, a pressure transducer) for providing feedback to the neuron circuit 583. In response to the IOP detector 607 detecting an overpressure or under pressure condition, the user interface issues an audible alert. Female module 327 further includes a status LED 611, such as a green LED on the front panel surface of module 327, indicating the module is active, and a handpiece detector circuit that detects the presence of a female handpiece connected to port 579. 613. Although not shown in FIG. 34, the neuron circuit also includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
In case of power loss or module failure, the module 327 is provided with an air receiver and a shut-off valve to give the user adequate time to respond to the failure condition.
As shown in FIG. 35, the bipolar coagulation module 329 (shown in detail in FIGS. 104-113) is a built-in module that supports a single bipolar output 625. In the preferred embodiment, the bipolar output provides up to 7.5 watts of bipolar power at 100 ohms. Preferably, module 329 controls the port to provide a fixed bipolar function or a linear bipolar function. The user can program the bipolar coagulation module 329 to obtain a fixed bipolar power of up to 2% -100% incremented by 1%. The bipolar output is preferably actuated at a programmed output power level via a momentary contact (push button) switch of the foot control assembly 15. The bipolar output remains active as long as the pushbutton is pressed. The user sets the output level via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and changes the set value via the push button of the foot control assembly 15. The user can program module 329 to obtain up to 2% to 100% linear bipolar power and can change the power level by incrementing by 1%. The bipolar output was activated at the minimum ultrasonic emulsification suction power level that programmed the linear ultrasonic emulsification suction output when the surgeon pressed the center foot pedal of the foot control assembly 15 and then programmed this as a function of linear foot pedal movement. It is preferable to increase to the maximum output power level. The user sets the output level via the touch screen 255, the remote control device 39 or the foot control assembly 15, and controls this level via the foot control assembly 15.
As in the case of using the other module 13, the coagulation module 329 has a neuron circuit 627 connected to the network via the network connector 171 at the rear of the module 329 connected to the backplane 101. Neuron circuit 627 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving and transmitting data via the data communication bus. The neuron processor 225 is coupled to the transceiver 223 and performs network communication control for the module 329. The neuron processor 225 also executes a built-in application program for controlling the bipolar coagulation function of the system 1. In this example, neuron circuit 627 includes memory 629 (eg, flash EEPROM) for storing application programs for coagulation module 329. Further, the memory 629 stores a configuration and identification data for initializing the module 329 on the network. Advantageously, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 629 via the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. The neuron circuit 627 also includes a clock circuit 631 (eg, a crystal oscillator) that provides a time base for the neuron 225 to operate. Although not shown in FIG. 35, the neuron circuit 627 includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
The coagulation module 329 is used with the neuron processor 225 of the neuron circuit 627 and includes an EPLD 635 that controls the bipolar coagulation device as a function of user-entered operating parameters. In particular, EPLD 635 generates an enable signal to enable coagulation, an activity monitor 639 that monitors bipolar output voltage and output activity (fixed or linear output), and pulse width modulation frequency. Bipolar timer 641.
Bipolar coagulation module 329 further includes an overvoltage detector 645 for shutting off power to bipolar output 625 if an overpower condition or an undesirable output condition occurs. Preferably, the overvoltage detector 645 also communicates with the network via the neuron processor 225 and the transceiver 223 to alert the user that an undesirable output condition exists.
In accordance with the present invention, neuron processor 225 of neuron circuit 627, in combination with EPLD 635, enables a set of pre-drivers 649 in the correct phase order. Thereby, a set of power drivers 651 supply power to the bipolar output 625. In one embodiment, the coagulation module 329 also includes an isolation and impedance matching network 653 for adjusting the output of the power driver 651.
FIG. 35 shows a status LED 657, which is a green LED located on the front panel of module 329 and indicating to the user that the coagulation module 329 is active as described above. Module 329 also includes a power fuse filtering circuit 659 for preventing overcurrent conditions and suppressing noise.
36, lighting module 331 (shown in detail in FIGS. 114-125) includes a first lamp 665 and a second lamp for providing light corresponding to the lighting port at the front of module 331. A built-in module having at least two lamps, such as lamp 667. In accordance with the present invention, a user connects to one or both of these ports a fiber optic illuminator, such as intraocular illumination, used by a surgeon to illuminate the patient's posterior eyeball during a surgical procedure. The module 331 individually controls the light irradiated to each port by the lamps 665 and 667, but these can be used simultaneously if necessary. In addition, the module 331 independently controls the light intensity obtained at the port. The user can select a high (100%), medium (75%) or low (50%) output illumination level via the touch screen 255 or remote control 39.
The preferred embodiment has a neuron circuit 671 connected to the network via a network connector 171 at the back of the module 331 connected to the backplane 101. The neuron circuit 671 includes an RS485 transceiver 223 and a neuron processor 225. The neuron processor 225 executes network communication control and application programs, and controls the illumination function of the system 1. In this example, the neuron circuit 671 includes a memory 673 (for example, a flash EEPROM) for storing an application program for the lighting module 331. Furthermore, the memory 673 also stores configuration and identification data for initializing the module 331 on the network. Advantageously, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 673 via the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. The neuron circuit 671 also includes a clock circuit 675 (eg, a crystal oscillator) that supplies a clock signal used by the neuron circuit 671 and a watchdog timer 676. Although not shown in FIG. 33, the neuron circuit 671 includes another RS485 transceiver for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
As shown in FIG. 36, the neuron processor 225 of the neuron circuit 671 supplies an on / off signal for the lamp 665 to the first power relay 677 and an on / off for the lamp 667 to the second power relay 679. Supply signal. As a result, one or both of the relays 677 and 679 are supplied with a 12-volt power supply 681 (supplied from the power supply module 103 via the backplane 101) to the first lamp driver circuit 683 and / or the second lamp driver circuit 685. And one or both of the lamp 665 and the lamp 667 are turned on. In the preferred embodiment, lamp drivers 683 and 685 provide feedback to neuron circuit 671 regarding the status of lamps 665 and 667.
In order to change the intensity of light obtained by the lamp 665, the neuron circuit 671 of the illumination module 331 first supplies serial data representing the desired intensity to the digital-analog (D / A) converter 689. In response to the output of the D / A converter 689, the dimmer driver circuit 691 drives the dimmer circuit 693. According to the present invention, the dimmer circuit 693 adjusts the intensity of the lamp 665. Thus, the dimmer driver 691 controls the dimmer circuit 693 as a function of serial data input to the D / A converter 689, and sets the intensity of the lamp 665 to a desired level. Similarly, the neuron circuit 671 supplies serial data representing a desired intensity to a digital analog (D / A) converter 697, and changes the intensity of light obtained by the lamp 667. Next, the D / A converter 697 supplies an analog intensity signal to the dimmer driver circuit 699, thereby controlling the dimmer circuit 701 as a function of serial data input to the D / A converter 697, and the lamp 667. The intensity level changes.
With further reference to FIG. 36, the lighting module 331 also includes a status LED 705, such as a green LED, provided at the front of the module 331 to indicate to the user that the module 331 is active. Module 331 also provides a cooling system 707, such as a fan, responsive to neuron processor 225 of neuron circuit 671 to dissipate excess heat in module 331 that can damage components.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system 1 is a peripheral device selected from among a remote foot control assembly 15, a device cart 21 with an automatic IV pole assembly 17, an extension platform 207 and a handheld IR remote control device 39. It also supports.
One of these peripheral devices, the foot control assembly 15, allows the surgeon to remotely control at least one microsurgical device 19 when performing a surgical procedure. The user may be a surgeon, but a nurse or other person in the operating room often inputs directly into the user interface of the system 1. As such, the foot control assembly 15 provides the primary interface between the surgeon and the microsurgical system 1. Advantageously, the surgeon can control a number of functions provided by the system 1 from the foot control assembly 15 and change the mode of operation.
FIG. 37 shows a control circuit 105 for controlling the foot control assembly 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the foot control circuit 105 (shown in detail in FIGS. 126-136) communicates with the network and controls the operation of the foot control assembly 15 as a function of at least one operating parameter.
Although not shown in the gantry 7, the foot control circuit 105 includes a neuron circuit 717 including an RS485 transceiver 223 for receiving and transmitting data via a data communication bus. The neuron processor 225 is coupled to the transceiver 223 and performs network communication control of the foot control circuit 105. Thus, in view of the computer network, the foot control assembly 15 is functionally equivalent to the module 13 when controlled by the foot control circuit 105. In other words, the foot control circuit 105 is also connected to a data communication bus that communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface and the foot control circuit 105. In this way, the data communication bus also enables peer-to-peer communication between the foot control circuit 105 and the surgical module 13. Further, the foot control circuit 105 changes the operating parameters of the microsurgical device 19 via the network in response to a surgeon's instruction made via the foot control assembly 15.
In this example, the transceiver 223 of the neuron circuit 717 is connected to a data communication bus via a data cable (not shown) connected to the connector 157 on the back surface of the backplane 101. Alternatively, the IV pole assembly 17 provides a jumper to which the foot control circuit 105 is connected. The power input 721 supplies power to the foot control circuit 105, and a voltage regulator such as the VCC generator 723 supplies the logic voltage required for the circuit. FIG. 37 further shows a brake drive circuit 725 connected to the magnetic powder brake 727 to provide detent during movement of the foot pedal.
The neuron circuit 717 also includes a memory 731 (for example, a flash EEPROM) for storing an application program for the foot control circuit 105. In this example, the neuron processor 225 executes an embedded application program in cooperation with the EPLD 735 and controls the foot control assembly 15. The memory 731 stores the configuration and identification data used for initializing the foot control circuit 105 on the network. Further, as with the module 13, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 731 over the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. As shown in FIG. 37, the neuron circuit 717 also includes an RS485 transceiver 739 for receiving a reset signal from the computer unit 3.
In one preferred embodiment, the foot control assembly 15 includes a center foot pedal, one rocker switch, and two separate pushbutton switches (see FIG. 231). Preferably, the system 1 is dual linear and on / off controlled by center pedal pitch (pitch) and roll (yaw) motion. Each of these controls is fully programmable in view of function and control parameters (ie range, mode, etc.). In accordance with the present invention, EPLD 735 receives information from various switches 743 and receives information about center pedal movement via pitch encoder 745 and yaw encoder 747. In accordance with the present invention, EPLD 735 performs switch decoding, orthogonal decoding / accumulation and brake strength encoding. Since the number of inputs available at neuron 225 is limited, EPLD 735 decodes the switch signal provided by switch 743. In addition, pitch and yaw encoders 745, 747 each provide two quadrature signals that indicate the amount and direction of movement of the foot pedal. EPLD 735 decodes these signals for use by neurons 225 of neuron circuit 717. In addition, EPLD 735 encodes the brake strength signal generated by neuron 225 for use by brake drive circuit 725.
As an example, the center pedal of the foot control assembly 15 moves up and down about 15 ° in the pitch or vertical direction. Within this range of motion, the user can program two detent positions. Further, as the center pedal moves through any of these detent positions, the resistance produced by the pedal changes and tactile feedback is provided to the surgeon. This resistance preferably remains the same as long as the center pedal moves within the programmed detent range. When released, the pedal returns to the home (up) position. Functionally, the user can also program pitch motion to provide linear or on / off control for all applicable surgical procedures. For example, the foot control assembly 15 performs linear control as a function of relative foot pedal displacement (for example, 0 ° to 15 ° below corresponds to 0% to 100% output), and absolute foot pedal displacement (for example, 0 ° to 10 °). Fixed control can be performed as a function of (° below corresponds to off and 10 ° to 15 ° corresponds to on).
In the horizontal or yaw direction, the center foot pedal has a left / right movement of approximately ± 10 °. In this example, the pedal has a central detent and returns to the home (center) position when released. Functionally, the user can program the yaw motion to provide linear or on / off control for all applicable surgical procedures. For example, depending on the pedal, linear control is performed as a function of relative foot pedal displacement (for example, 0 ° to 10 ° left corresponds to 0% to 100% output), and absolute foot pedal displacement (for example, left of the center detent (right ) Exercising is equivalent to turning on (off), and fixed on / off control is performed.
Preferably, the rocker switch is a position switch located on the right side of the center foot pedal of the foot control assembly 15. When released, the rocker switch returns to the off (center) position. Functionally, the user programs the rocker switch to increase / decrease, increment for all applicable surgical procedures (eg, lens ultrasonic emulsification and lens ultrasonic fragmentation power levels, bipolar power levels, suction levels, etc.) / Decrement or on / off control can be performed. These two pushbutton switches of the foot control assembly are preferably located on the left side of the center foot pedal opposite the rocker switch. In the preferred embodiment, one switch is dedicated to bipolar output control and the user can program the other switch to control one of the surgical procedures. When released, the pushbutton switch returns to the off (up) position.
Referring now to FIG. 38, the system 1 includes an IV pole assembly 17 having a control circuit 107 (shown in detail in FIGS. 137 to 146) for controlling the motor 753 to raise and lower the IV pole of the IV pole assembly 17. Including. Preferably, the IV pole control circuit 107 performs network communication and controls the operation of the IV pole assembly 17 as a function of at least one operating parameter. Although not attached to the gantry unit 7, the IV pole control circuit 107 includes a neuron circuit 755 including an RS485 transceiver 223 and a neuron processor 225 coupled to the transceiver 223. As such, the neuron circuit 755 controls the IV pole control circuit 107 through network communication. Thus, in view of the computer network, the IV pole assembly 17 is functionally equivalent to the module 13 when controlled by the IV pole control circuit 107. In other words, the IV pole control circuit 107 is also connected to a data communication bus that communicates data representing operating parameters between the user interface and the IV pole control circuit 107. Neuron circuit 755 also includes a clock circuit 757 (eg, a crystal oscillator) that provides a time base for neuron 225 to operate. The power input 759 preferably supplies power to the IV pole control circuit 107 from the gantry 7.
Similar to the foot control circuit 105, the transceiver 223 of the IV pole control circuit 107 is connected to the data communication bus via a data cable (not shown) connected to the connector 157 on the back surface of the backplane 101. The neuron circuit 755 also includes a memory 763 (for example, a flash EEPROM) for storing an application program for the IV pole control circuit 107. In this example, the neuron processor 225 executes a built-in application program and controls the motor drive circuit 765 as a function of the operation parameter of the IV pole assembly 17. The memory 731 stores the configuration and identification data used for initializing the IV pole control circuit 107 on the network. Further, as with the module 13, the central processing unit 245 can reprogram the memory 763 via the data communication bus in response to information provided by the user. Although not shown in FIG. 38, the neuron circuit 755 also includes an RS485 transceiver 739 for receiving reset signals from the watchdog timer and other computer units 3.
Preferably, the IV pole assembly 17 is an integral part of the instrumentation cart 21 and is used, for example, to position two 500 cc fluid containers up to 100 cm above the cart 21. In this regard, the IV pole of the IV pole assembly 15 can move up and down at a speed of 6 cm / second, and has a positioning resolution of 1 cm and positioning reproducibility of 2 cm. Functionally, the user sets IV pole parameters via the touch screen 255, remote control device 39 or foot control assembly 15. A pair of limit switches 767 provide feedback on the IV pole height to the neuron circuit 755. For example, when the IV pole reaches its maximum allowable height, one limit switch 767 instructs the neuron circuit 755 to stop driving the motor 753 onto the pole. Similarly, when the pole is lowered to the minimum, the other limit switch 767 instructs the neuron circuit 755 to stop driving the motor 753 below the pole. In another embodiment, a single limit switch 767 detects when the IV pole is lowered to a minimum. In this embodiment, the motor 753 is a step motor, and the neuron 225 counts the number of steps to determine when the pole is raised to the maximum.
FIG. 39 shows the power supply module 103 in the form of a block diagram. As illustrated, the power supply module 103 includes a power port 771 that receives AC power. Preferably, the power is adjusted with an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 773 before the switchable power supply circuit 775 generates the DC voltage used by the various modules 13 attached to the gantry 7. Next, the switching circuit 779 supplies these voltages to the backplane 101 via a backplane connector (such as the connector 171). In the preferred embodiment, the power supply module 103 includes an interlock switch 783, preferably located within the opening 197 shown in FIG. This switch is normally open to block power from being supplied to the power bus of the backplane 101. When the front cover 113 is mounted on the gantry 7, the column 195 extends into the opening 197 and closes the interlocking switch 783. In this way, the system 1 generates a reset state every time the module 13 is replaced, and prevents the user from coming into contact with the backplane 101 during startup.
The power supply module 103 includes a status LED 787 indicating its active state and a fan 789 for preventing overheating in the module.
The attached microfiche appendix is a software program list for the system 1. According to the present invention, as disclosed herein, the computer unit 3 executes the software listed in the microfiche appendage and provides the user interface and network management features of the present invention. In addition, the neuron processor 225 executes the software listed in the appendix and controls the various microsurgical devices 19 and peripheral devices.
In view of the above, it will be apparent that the various objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
Since various modifications can be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present invention, all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is by way of example only. It should be understood that it is not meant to be limiting.

Claims (15)

A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A data communication bus;
A user interface connected to the data communication bus for providing the user with information representing operating parameters of the microsurgical device and receiving information from the user;
A first surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, wherein the first surgical module is the data Connected to the communication bus,
A second surgical module connected to the other one of the microsurgical devices and controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, the second surgical module comprising the data communication Connected to the bus, and
The data communication bus provides communication of data representing the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules;
The user interface includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters, includes a central processing unit for reading a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device from the memory, and each surgical module is from the memory Controlling the corresponding microsurgical device as a function of the read set of operating parameters;
The operating parameters can be read from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by the user via the user interface, each mode being enforced and defined by the operation of at least one of the microsurgical devices. One or more surgical procedures, wherein the mode sequence is capable of providing a sequence of modes by a plurality of different microsurgical devices, and the central processing unit is configured to receive the set of operating parameters from the memory. And the microsurgical device is used in a selected one of a plurality of modes, thereby allowing the surgical module to respond as a function of the operating parameters read from the memory. A system characterized by controlling a surgical device. The system of claim 1, wherein the central processing unit sequentially reads a set of operating parameters from the memory and is used in each of the modes in the sequence for the microsurgical device. 3. The central processing unit moves to the next mode in the mode sequence in response to a user providing instructions via the user interface and reads another set of operating parameters from the memory. The system described in. The central processing unit returns to a previous mode in the mode sequence in response to a user providing instructions via the user interface and reads a set of operating parameters from the memory. System. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A data communication bus;
A user interface connected to the data communication bus for providing the user with information representing operating parameters of the microsurgical device and receiving information from the user;
A first surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices, controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, and connected to the data communication bus;
A second surgical module connected to the other one of the microsurgical devices, controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, and connected to the data communication bus;
The data communication bus provides communication of data representing the operating parameters between the user interface and the first and second surgical modules;
The user interface includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters, includes a central processing unit for reading a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device from the memory, and each surgical module is from the memory Control the corresponding microsurgical device as a function of the set of read operating parameters,
The operating parameters can be read from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by a user via the user interface, each mode being enforced and defined by the operation of at least one microsurgical device. Representing one or more surgical procedures, the mode sequence being capable of providing a sequence of modes by a plurality of different microsurgical devices, wherein the central processing unit is configured to receive a set of operating parameters from the memory; Is used in one of a plurality of modes selected for the microsurgical device so that the surgical module controls the corresponding microsurgical device as a function of the operating parameters read from the memory. ,
And a screen having a display device for displaying information to a user in response to the user interface, the display device including a menu of selectable modes, wherein each mode is an operation of at least one of the microsurgical devices. Representing one or more surgical procedures performed and defined by the central processing unit in a selected mode in response to a user selecting one of a plurality of modes from the menu. characterized in that the microsurgical device used reads one set of operating parameters from the memory, thereby controlling the corresponding microsurgical device as a function of the operating parameters the surgical module is read from the memory System. The menu includes an option to proceed to the next mode in the mode sequence, the central processing unit reads a set of operating parameters from the memory for the microsurgical device used in the selected mode; And from the memory for the microsurgical device used in the next mode following the selected mode in the mode sequence in response to selecting an option from a menu to enforce the next mode in the mode sequence 6. The system of claim 5, wherein another set of operating parameters is read. The menu includes an option to return to the previous mode in the mode sequence, and the central processing unit is configured to add other operating parameters from the memory for the microsurgical device used in the next mode following the selected mode 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the set of operating parameters is read from the memory for the microsurgical device used in a previous mode in the mode sequence. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A data communication bus;
A user interface connected to the data communication bus for providing information representing operating parameters to the user and receiving information from the user;
A surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices, controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, and connected to the data communication bus;
A remote control circuit connected to the remote control device and controlling the remote control device as a function of at least one operating parameter, the remote control circuit being connected to the data communication bus, the remote control device being a surgical procedure Operating to change the operating parameters of the microsurgical device during the operation of
The data communication bus communicates data representing the operating parameters between the user interface, the surgical module and the remote control device;
The user interface includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters, and includes a central processing unit for reading a set of operating parameters from the memory;
The surgical module controls the corresponding microsurgical device;
The remote control circuit controls the remote control device as a function of a set of operating parameters read from the memory;
The operating parameters can be read from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by the user via the user interface, each mode being enforced and defined by at least one operation of the microsurgical device The mode sequence is capable of providing a sequence of modes with a plurality of different microsurgical devices, and the central processing unit is selected from a plurality of modes. A set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device used in one mode is read from the memory so that the surgical module corresponds as a function of the operating parameters read from the memory. System characterized by controlling 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the central processing unit sequentially reads a set of operating parameters from the memory for the microsurgical device used in each of the modes in the sequence. The central processing unit moves to the next mode in the mode sequence in response to a user providing instructions via the user interface and reads another set of operating parameters from the memory. Item 10. The system according to Item 9. 11. The central processing unit returns to a previous mode in the mode sequence in response to a user providing instructions via the user interface and reads a set of operating parameters from the memory. The system described in. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A data communication bus;
A user interface connected to the data communication bus for providing information representing operating parameters to the user and receiving information from the user;
A surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices, controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, and connected to the data communication bus;
A remote control circuit connected to the remote control device and controlling the remote control device as a function of at least one operating parameter, the remote control circuit being connected to the data communication bus, the remote control device being a surgical procedure Operating to change the operating parameters of the microsurgical device during the operation of
The data communication bus provides communication of data representing the operating parameters between the user interface, the surgical module and the remote control device;
The user interface includes a memory that stores a plurality of operating parameters, includes a central processing unit for reading a set of operating parameters from the memory, and as a function of the set of operating parameters read from the memory The surgical module controls the corresponding microsurgical device, the remote control circuit controls the remote control device,
The operating parameters can be read from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by a user via the user interface;
Further comprising a screen having a display device responsive to said user interface for displaying information to a user, including a menu of the display device is selectable modes, at least one of the modes the microsurgical device Represents one or more surgical procedures performed and defined by one operation, the mode sequence being capable of providing a sequence of modes by a plurality of different microsurgical devices, and the central processing unit comprising the memory And the microsurgical device is used in a selected one of a plurality of modes, whereby the surgical module is a function of the operational parameters read from the memory A system characterized by controlling a corresponding microsurgical device. The menu includes an option to proceed to the next mode in the mode sequence;
The central processing unit reads a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device used in the selected mode from the memory, and then allows the user to select an option from the menu to proceed to the next mode in the mode sequence. In response to selecting, another set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device used in a next mode following the selected mode in the mode sequence is read from the memory. Item 13. The system according to Item 12. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A data communication bus;
A user interface connected to the data communication bus for providing information representing operating parameters to the user and receiving information from the user;
A surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices, controlling the microsurgical device as a function of at least one operating parameter, and connected to the data communication bus;
A remote control circuit connected to the remote control device and controlling the remote control device as a function of at least one operating parameter, the remote control circuit being connected to the data communication bus, the remote control device being a surgical procedure Operating to change the operating parameters of the microsurgical device during the operation of
The data communication bus provides communication of data representing the operating parameters between the user interface, the surgical module and the remote control device;
The operating parameters can be read from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by the user via the user interface, and the mode sequence can provide a sequence of modes by a plurality of different microsurgical devices And
And a screen having a display device for displaying information to a user in response to the user interface, the display device including a menu of selectable modes, wherein the menu is in a previous mode in the mode sequence. The central processing unit reads another set of operating parameters from the memory for the microsurgical device to be used in the next mode following the selected mode, and the previous mode in the mode sequence In response to selecting an option from the menu for returning to the system, the system reads a set of operating parameters from the memory for the microsurgical device used in a previous mode in the mode sequence. A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical devices that are connected to the system and used when a user such as a surgeon performs an ophthalmic surgical procedure,
A user interface that provides the user with information representing operating parameters of the microsurgical device and receives information from the user;
A memory for storing a plurality of operating parameters, the operating parameters being readable from the memory as a function of a mode sequence from a mode sequence database defined by a user via the user interface, wherein each mode is the microsurgery Represents one or more surgical procedures performed and defined by the operation of at least one of the devices, wherein the mode sequence is capable of providing a sequence of modes by a plurality of different microsurgical devices;
And a central processing unit for reading from the memory a set of operating parameters for the microsurgical device used in one mode selected from a plurality of modes;
A surgical module connected to one of the microsurgical devices and controlling the microsurgical device as a function of a set of operating parameters read from the memory.

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